Researchers and medical professionals agree that the strongest muscle in the human body is the jaw. Its main components, which include the teeth and gums, are susceptible to illnesses and infections if not treated with care. Teeth and gum complications are categorized as among the most painful and uncomfortable conditions you could experience. Unfortunately, many people do not easily realize when they have a tooth or gum disorder until the condition develops into a complication. Therefore, it is wise to have professional guidance from qualified professionals like the team at Ueno Center Dental Specialists facility in Campbell, CA, on how to keep your oral hygiene and identify when you could be developing a complication. Gum disease is the most common complication that most people develop without proper care of their teeth and gums. Below is a broader view of the problem, its causes, and the symptoms that accompany the disorder.

·   What it entails

When bacteria find their way into the gums, it collects together periodically and eventually affects the jawbone, gum, and teeth, causing soreness and swelling. This condition is referred to as gum disease. If you do not treat the condition early enough, it further leads to the loss of roots of your teeth, causing them to fall out.

·   Causes of Gum Disease

The major causative agent of gum disease is bacteria collected due to poor oral hygiene. When you do not practice regular cleaning of your teeth and subject them to excess sugars and other harmful substances like smoking, plaque starts to form at the base of your teeth. With time, the plaque becomes strong and starts eating away the gum at the base of your teeth, thus penetrating into the roots of your teeth and jawbone. If you do not identify the issue or ignore it, the plaque eats away the delicate roots of your teeth, which will cause your jaw to ache, and your teeth start falling out.

·   Symptoms

The condition initially has no symptoms or very mild symptoms. As the gum disease becomes more intense, your teeth start becoming sensitive. You also experience bleeding every time you brush or floss. Chewing food becomes an uphill task since it’s always painful. With time, your gums will swell and become red. Despite your constant efforts to brush after the disease has gained momentum, your breath will be unpleasant. Eventually, your condition will decay the roots of the teeth, which will start falling off periodically.

·   Preventive Measures

Even though the condition causes complexities, preventing it proves quite an easy task. To begin with, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day with three minutes of brushing each time. You should also limit your intake of processed sugars in your meals. Avoid harmful substances like tobacco which will accelerate any tooth condition that may develop. Lastly, it is advisable to have regular check-ups by a qualified professional so as to identify the condition in its early stages if it starts developing.

Oral health not only prevents gum disease but also contributes to a healthier and brighter smile. With such a smile and no gum disease, your quality of life is bound to improve, and your output at work or home will also increase. Therefore, it is wise to keep your oral health in check always.