Our mouth is home to billions of bacteria. If this community becomes imbalanced or overgrown it triggers inflammation that can spread throughout the body.
Swollen, red gums that bleed when you brush or floss are the first signs of gum disease. This early stage of the condition is called gingivitis and it can lead to more serious gum disease, periodontitis.
Gum health
Gum disease can be prevented by taking good care of your teeth and gums, brushing twice a day, and flossing daily. It is also important to visit a dental professional regularly for cleanings.
Certain illnesses, medications, and hormonal changes can make you more vulnerable to gum disease. Smoking also makes it hard for gum tissue to recover. Gum disease can lead to serious health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Overall health
Gum disease or periodontitis is a serious dental condition that can lead to the loss of teeth. More importantly, it has been linked to systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and poor pregnancy outcomes.
Many factors can contribute to gum disease such as smoking, certain medications, hormonal changes, and underlying medical conditions like diabetes. Therefore, it is important to get regular dental care visits and brush, floss, and use mouth rinse daily.
Meridol toothpaste
The soothing formula of Meridol toothpaste fights the cause of gum problems. It protects against gum irritation, occasional bleeding, and the risk of periodontitis and receding gums.
Brush teeth twice a day with Meridol toothpaste. Floss daily with dental floss or interdental cleaners to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Use a mouthwash to help rinse away food debris and germs.
Oral hygiene
is a program of brushing and flossing that prevents gum disease, bad breath, and tooth decay. It also includes visiting the dentist for regular cleanings every 6 to 12 months.
Bad oral hygiene not only leads to painful and unsightly gum disease, but it can also lead to serious general health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even pneumonia. It can even be linked to pregnancy complications.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. Early symptoms are bleeding gums, bad breath, and changes in how teeth fit together when chewing. Other symptoms include a change in taste and the presence of pus around teeth and gums.
The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. It can be treated with regular dental cleanings by hygienists, as well as daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis
Red, swollen gums are the first signs of periodontitis. This is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the tissues that support your teeth and has been linked with other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Antibiotics such as chlorhexidine (Peridex, PerioChip, or PerioGard) help control plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease. Your dentist may prescribe them as mouth rinses or a gelatin-filled chip placed in gum pockets during root planing.
Immune system
Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can leave a steady stream of bacteria that enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.
The immune system has a way of differentiating healthy cells from intruders, by recognizing proteins that are unique to you. When this goes awry, it shapes our health in ways that we don’t expect. Including heart disease.
Several studies have linked gum disease to heart disease and other illnesses.
Gut health
Everybody experiences digestive symptoms from time to time, like gas, heartburn, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. But when these issues occur regularly and affect your quality of life, it’s important to see a gastroenterologist.
Gut health is a complex term that encompasses the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, a healthy microbiome, and a feeling of well-being. It’s also a powerful tool in prevention.
Inflammation
Inflammation is the body’s alarm system, a blazing bonfire that energizes the healing process. But if it’s persistent and chronic, inflammation becomes a silent thief that steals our health piece by piece.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease caused by the bacteria in plaque (an invisible sticky layer of germs) that builds up on teeth and gums. This can lead to red and swollen gums.
Dental care
Basic dental care includes brushing and flossing regularly to remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can cause gum disease. It also includes regular visits to the dentist and hygienists.
Many people don’t have access to dental care, particularly low-income families. However, some federal programs help increase access to dental care, such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. Also, a healthy lifestyle can prevent gum disease and other health issues.