Gum disease how do you get it

Our mouths are full of bacteria. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar. There are a number of risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant. Smoking also can make treatment for gum disease less successful. Other risk factors include diabetes; hormonal changes in girls and women; diabetes; medications that lessen the flow of saliva; certain illnesses, such as AIDS, and their medications; and genetic susceptibility.

The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. A gum infection , or periodontitis, may require treatment in the form of deep cleaning in the gums and pockets around the teeth. Cleaning out any abscesses that are present will also be necessary.

Some cases may require the dentist to remove areas of the gums or tissues. More severe and persistent infections may need treatment with oral antibiotics.

In some cases, dentists may inject antibiotics directly into the area to help clear out the infection. Advanced cases may require surgery, such as bone or tissue grafts, to avoid or repair damage to the jaw. As part of treatment for a gum infection, dentists may advise people to maintain good oral hygiene at home to help control the infection.

Regular professional dental cleanings and good oral hygiene are both important preventive measures for gum infections, as they help control bacteria in the mouth. The American Dental Association list some general oral health tips to keep the teeth and gums healthy, including:.

There is no guarantee that these efforts will prevent gum infections. However, they may help reduce the manageable risk factors for these infections. Even in the early stages of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis, it is important to see a dentist without delay to help prevent the issue from progressing. People can take steps to help prevent gum infections, such as practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding tobacco.

Seeing a dentist for regular checkups is also important because they can help break away tartar to prevent infection. Anyone who notices symptoms of a gum infection or gingivitis should see their dentist immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment help prevent complications, such as tooth or tissue loss. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums. It occurs because of films of bacteria that accumulate on the teeth, this is called plaque. From tea bags to cold compresses, many home remedies can quickly relieve mild-to-moderate gum pain.

Learn about these methods, and when to see a…. Practicing good oral hygiene can help a person keep their gums healthy and reduce the risk of gum disease. This involves regular brushing with…. A gum abscess is a pocket of pus and bacteria that forms due to an infection in the gums. In this article, learn about the symptoms and treatment…. The gums can recede due to inflammation or wear over time.

Gum disease can be caused by a number of factors, but poor oral hygiene is the most common cause. Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing your teeth properly or regularly, can cause plaque to build up on your teeth. Your mouth is full of bacteria that combine with saliva to form a sticky film known as plaque, which builds up on your teeth. When you consume food and drink high in carbohydrates sugary or starchy foods , bacteria in plaque turn carbohydrates into the energy they need, producing acid at the same time.

Plaque is usually easy to remove by brushing and flossing your teeth, but it can harden and form a substance called tartar if it's not removed.