It is believed that one of every two Americans over age 30 have periodontal disease. Yikes! (It gets worse with age: 70% of Americans over 65 are believed to have the disease).
What is Periodontal Disease?
The American Academy of Periodontology defines periodontal disease—commonly called gum disease—as a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontitis can cause tooth loss or worse, an increased risk of heart attack or stroke and other serious health problems!
Periodontitis can be prevented!
Since it typically stems from poor oral hygiene, daily brushing and flossing—along with regular professional dental cleanings—can greatly reduce your chance of developing periodontitis.
But a commonly missed oral hygiene step that can also reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease is brushing your tongue! Research has shown that the bacteria and the foul-smelling gasses they give off contribute to the onset of periodontitis or gum disease.
And here’s the body’s problem with gum disease: Those infected areas in the mouth serve as a gateway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect overall wellness.
Periodontitis is also known as a “silent” disease because it can go unnoticed for a long period of time. It has been linked to severe health problems such as cancer, early births, and heart disease.
How Can I Tell If I Have Gum Disease?
Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of gum disease:
- Swollen gums
- Bright red or purplish gums
- Gums that feel tender when touched
- Gums that pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal
- New spaces developing between your teeth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it would be beneficial for you to see a dentist right away and get a thorough evaluation. The sooner you take action, the better.
Remember, prevention is the key! Often times, it starts with the TONGUE. Don’t leave out that step. Use the TUNG Brush and TUNG Gel in your daily routine; it will go a long way in helping prevent gum disease! Get brushing!
