{"id":140,"date":"2014-02-17T09:30:23","date_gmt":"2014-02-17T14:30:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.drwolnik.com\/blog\/?p=140"},"modified":"2016-07-31T11:29:14","modified_gmt":"2016-07-31T15:29:14","slug":"keep-gums-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drwolnik.com\/blog\/keep-gums-healthy\/","title":{"rendered":"Gum Health: At-Home Tips to Keep Your Gums Healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Gum<\/a>Healthy gums are not only vital to your oral health, but to your overall health as well. In addition to causing tooth decay and loss, recent studies have shown that the chronic inflammation from gum disease<\/a> can contribute to the development of cardiovascular and other systematic diseases. Keeping your gums healthy is an important part of keeping YOU healthy!<\/p>\n

What is Gum Disease?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque, which is a sticky film made up of bacteria, mucus, and other particles. When plaque is not properly removed, it hardens and becomes tartar that can cause gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. Although plaque can be removed by you with proper brushing and flossing, tartar buildup can only be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist.<\/p>\n

Gum Disease: More than Just an Oral Health Problem<\/u><\/a>
\nWhat is Gingivitis?<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n

The Stages of Gum Disease<\/b><\/h2>\n

Gum disease has three stages:<\/p>\n

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  1. Gingivitis<\/b> This early stage of gum disease can be corrected by proper brushing and flossing.<\/li>\n
  2. Periodontitis<\/b> Caused by inflammation around the tooth, this stage is a more advanced form of gum disease. Treatment at this stage is crucial to preventing further breakdown of the teeth.<\/li>\n
  3. Advanced Periodontitis<\/b> The final stage of gum disease causes deepening of the gum pockets and destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place. Teeth may loosen during this stage and need to be extracted.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Symptoms of Gum Disease<\/b><\/h2>\n

    Early symptoms of gum disease can include red, swollen gums and the pulling away of gums from the teeth, which can form pockets of infected material. Advanced periodontitis is characterized by:<\/p>\n