Many people believe that having periodontal (gum) disease is a problem of old age.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  You can be a young child and have a problem with the health of your gum tissue.  The reality is that damage builds up over time and it is only when people are older that they start to see the accumulated problem. 

Because they only start to recognize it later in life, it is often associated with the later stages of life.  But in reality, up to 80% of people may have some form of gum disease right now.  Your chances do increase over time.  I saw a statistic on the Mayo Clinic’s website that up to 95% of people have some form of gum disease after age 65.  Such stats do little to dispell the myth that this is a disease of aging.

So, what do you do when the majority of people will not consider that they  might have some level of gum disease right now?  Well, there is really nothing you can do. Yet, the individuals themselves could choose a different path. There are ways that go beyond brushing and flossing to improve your dental health.  If brushing and flossing were enough, would so many people end up with gum disease and need expensive treatments to mitigate the effects of the disease?  The answer is: probably not. 

I hope that everyone can understand the truth about this problem and save their teeth as well as thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on dental work that could have been prevented!

*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise upon, diagnose or treat any health problem whatsoever, including but not limited to gum disease. If you have or think you might have a health problem, visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.

Tooth loss, among other things, can be quite a devastating or a demoralizing experience. The most common factor or cause of tooth loss would be periodontal disease commonly referred to as ‘gum disease’. This is associated with advanced stages of gum deterioration. When the gums are afflicted with bacteria that secrete toxins onto and around the periodontal tissue. This is literally, the tissue that surrounds the tooth.

Obviously, we have all been cautioned to remain vigilant with our oral health care routines. But with our current realities especially as it relates to food and disease, it may take more than regular flossing and brushing to prevent and cure periodontal disease.

In line with this, there are some measures that one can take in order to prevent or stop the progression of gum disease.  Consider an oxygenated, pH mouthwash such as the Therabreath brand.  Make sure that you also have enough intake of Vitamin C, bioflavonoids, folic acid, calcium and niacin to combat pyorrhoea.

Another possibility is an essential oil blend that can help to kill harmful bacteria.  Oramd is one brand.  However, be forwarned, this can help, but you should also know that the daily disruption of plaque is necessary to help mitigate these problems.  An oral irrigator, like the hydrofloss may be helpful in this regard.

Periodontal disease is a condition wherein the bone structure that supports the teeth starts to erode as a result of the destructive waste products of anaerobic bacteria that accumulate under plaque.  Excessive alcohol and smoking can exacerbates already existing periodontal disease or facilitate the development of the disease. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin might help relieve mouth dryness. Mouth dryness can help the rapid proliferation and growth of bacteria.

*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise upon, diagnose or treat any health problem whatsoever. Experts may also disagree with the information in this article. If you have or think you might have a health problem, including but not limited to periodontal disease,  visit your doctor or dentist for advice, diagnosis and treatment The USFDA has not evaluated statements about products in this article.

Do you believe that gums must recede as we age? If you do, then it might seem natural to you to lose teeth. I have known people in their late 80’s and I am surprised to see that they still have their complete set of teeth. They say that they have been very cautious when it comes to the food they intake and with proper home care.

Funny how some elderly would stick out their dentures and scare their grand children away – happy bonding time with the family, something really worth reminiscing. But do you know that there is more to life than just making the children in your family have a good time when they see you play with your dentures? Besides brushing and flossing, have you tried the hydrofloss yet? 

Perhaps you are making it appealing to them so that they tend to like the idea or at least accept that they would lose their teeth one by one. I have actually asked a child who had his first permanent molar extracted at the age of 12. Imagine how many years more he has to live without his first molar. This does not bother him as he is actually enjoying the idea that he may soon wear dentures. Wouldn’t it be better to use a mouthwash like therabreath?

Some patients sound weird as they talk to the receptionist that they are having several incisors extracted due to little discolorations. I thought to myself, I am so fortunate to have mine complete never having to undergo multiple extractions and never ever considering having one. Essential oils, like those in Oramd may be helpful. 

And I realized that the greatest secret of the successful ones is that they meticulously cared for their teeth throughout their lifetime. You don’t have to lose your teeth as you grow old. Gum recession does not have to be part of the aging process.

Learn more about what you can do to prevent or stop gum disease.

Disclaimer: If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other health problem, please visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to provide advice, diagnosis or treatment for any health condition.