Inflammation & Gum Disease: What is gingivitis?
WHY GOOD HEALTH STARTS IN YOUR MOUTH
What does “ORAL HEALTH” really mean? Oral health means more
than healthy teeth. The word “oral” refers to the mouth, which
includes not only the teeth, gums and supporting tissue, but also the
hard and soft palate, the mucosal lining of the mouth and throat, the
tongue, the lips, the salivary glands, the chewing muscles and the jaw.
The salivary glands are a model of other exocrine glands, and an analysis
of saliva can provide clues of overall health and disease. A thorough
oral examination can detect signs of nutritional deficiencies as well
as a number of systemic diseases, including infections, immune disorders,
injuries and some cancers.(1)
Your mouth is an incredible, complex piece of machinery - much more than
sparkling teeth framed by a radiant smile.
When you are asked, "Did you brush your teeth?" someone is not
just concerned that your teeth do not have any food stuck in embarrassing
places and that your breath is fresh. Today we are learning that keeping
your mouth clean by brushing your teeth may be more important than looking
good; that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is not only good for the
health of your mouth but may be connected to the overall health of your
body.
WHAT IS GINGIVITIS?
A clean mouth contains several hundred billion bacteria and this number
increases tenfold when the mouth is not sufficiently cleaned. Bacteria
inhabit all areas of the mouth as well as the tooth surfaces. The main
sources of nutrients for bacteria are saliva and gingival fluid.(2)
When your mouth is not kept clean, dental decay occurs. Dental decay is
caused by plaque bacteria on the tooth surface producing an acid following
the consumption of carbohydrates. These acids cause the teeth to lose
minerals and allow the possibility of cavity formation.
Plaque, a film of bacteria that accumulates above the gum line, provides
a shelter for hundreds of species of bacterial and other microorganisms
to proliferate. If not routinely removed by brushing the teeth, plaque
buildup can cause an inflammoratory reaction in the gums that cannot be
defended by the body’s immune system.
Gingival disease, or Gingivitis - an early phase of gum disease that is
the easiest to treat - is caused by this accumulation of plaque, the film
of bacteria above the gum line.
An estimated 80% of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of gum
disease.(3)
SIGNS OF GINGIVITIS
Classic signs of gingivitis include red, swollen, tender gums that may
bleed when you brush.
It is important to have a dental professional assess your dental health
and determine whether you have gum disease, including gingivitis.
Treatment of gingivitis prevents it from developing into more serious
and damaging stage of gum disease - periodontitis.
TO PREVENT GINGIVITIS
You can help stop gingivitis before it develops; or, in this
early stage of gum disease, damage can be reversed.
Dr.
Nick's WHITE & healthy products not only whiten your teeth, but Dr.
Nick's unique patented formula of the toothpaste and mouthwash
help to fight germs that cause bad breath and can lead to gum disease.
Dr. Nick's WHITE & healthy toothpaste and mouthwash are formulated
by Dr.
Nick, a dentist, from natural
ingredients,
are alcohol free, and mitigates symptoms of periodontal disease.
Brushing, flossing, and rinsing your teeth regularly with Dr.
Nick's WHITE & healthy products help to maintain healthy gums
and fight germs that cause mild gum inflammation also known as gingivitis.
Schedule regular dental check-ups and professional dental cleanings.
Good nutrition and oral hygine routine at-home is important
too.
Do not use tobacco products.
RESOURCES
(1) McAlvany HealthAlert, Journal of Healthy Aging, Volume 5
/ Issue 2 / February 2005
(2) Oral
Health: A Window To Your Overall Health
(3) Oral
Health America: Smiles
HEALTH TOPICS
Your
Mouth Is A Doorway To Your Body's Health!
Inflammation
& Gum Disease - What is Gingivitis?
The
Progression of Gum Disease
Exploring
Diseases Linked To Oral Health: Cardiovascular Disease
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