It's always there, lurking around the corners, threatening to appear the moment you turn your back on it.  It's a disease.  It's unpleasant.  It can have lasting affects.  What is it, you wonder?   GUM DISEASE.  Those two small words strike fear into the heart of any tooth and gum; dentists quiver and hygienists squirm.  But luckily for you, gum disease is very preventable.  Here are some tips on exactly how to prevent gum disease.

What exactly is gum disease?  Also known as periodontal disease (meaning "around the tooth"), this disease is a serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if untreated.  It is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth.  Gum disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.  It begins when the bacteria found in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.  Gum disease includes diseases such as gingivitis (which is the mildest form of gum disease) and periodontitis (which is the more severe type of gum disease). 

In gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily.  The person usually has little to no discomfort.  In fact, you may not even notice that you have gingivitis.  It is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene and is reversible with professional treatment and better oral home care. 

Gingivitis can lead to periodontitis.  This occurs when plaque spreads and grows beneath the gum line.  The bacteria in the plaque then produce toxins that irritate the gums.  The toxins cause a chronic inflammatory response where the body basically turns on itself and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.  The gums separate from the teeth, forming spaces between the teeth and gums that become infected.  As the disease progresses, the spaces deepen and more and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.  Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed. 

Are you sufficiently alarmed now? 

The main cause of gum disease is plaque.  There are, however, a few other factors that affect the health of your gums:

    Smoking/tobacco use
    Genetics
    Pregnancy
    Puberty
    Stress
    Medications
    Grinding your teeth
    Diabetes
    Poor nutrition

 In case you are wondering if you have some form of gum disease, here are some of the symptoms.  If you notice any of the following, see your dentist immediately.

    Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
    Red, swollen or tender gums
    Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
    Bad breath that never goes away
    Pus between your teeth and gums
    Loose teeth
    A change in the way your teeth fit together

There is good news, however!  You can prevent gum disease by taking good care of your teeth every day and having regular dental checkups.  Here's how to keep your teeth healthy at home:

1.    Brush your teeth well twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and ADA approved toothpaste
2.    Clean between your teeth everyday (yes, this means you need to floss everyday)
3.    Eat a balanced diet from the basic food groups, limiting between-meal snacks
4.    Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning

If you are able to follow those simple 4 steps, your chances of getting gum disease are much lower.