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Do you consider yourself to be relatively healthy? If so, can gum disease affect you? Absolutely, gum disease is no respecter of persons. A healthy person is likely to be affected by gum disease just the same as the next person. In fact some form of gum disease affects 80% of the American adult population. Do you know the number one reason people get gum disease is due to improper oral hygiene? In America this is a growing epidemic. The two most common forms of gum disease that affect a relatively healthy person such as you, are gingivitis and aggressive periodontitis. Have you heard of gingivitis? It is the first and most common stage of gum disease. Gingivitis only affects the gums surrounding your teeth. It begins when bacteria toxins from plaque build-up and you will most likely start to notice that your gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily. Another sign you may find that you are experiencing, is bad breath or a bad taste that won't go away in this stage of gum disease. You will have little or no discomfort. Typically gingivitis tends to go untreated. However, if treated in the beginning stages it can be reversible with professional dental cleaning (every 6 months) and proper daily at home oral care (brushing and flossing twice per day). When you don't have gingivitis treated then it will progress. Aggressive periodontitis also known as pyorrhea is the second stage of gum disease. It is caused from bacteria toxins that accumulate below your gum line, when untreated it leads to rapid attachment and bone loss around teeth and familial aggregation. You will probably experience chronic bad breath and bad taste as they are both associated with this stage of gum disease. Aggressive periodontitis is so widespread mainly because the symptoms of gingivitis have gone undetected and untreated. This stage doesn't have much to do with how healthy you are either. The main beginning signs you will need to watch for are redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If these have gone undetected then bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth may be the signs that are more evident to you because they are going to be more bothersome. Whether the progression of gum disease is eliminated, decreased, or allowed to worsen will entirely depend on you and how you intend to care for your teeth. Adequate brushing and flossing will help to remove plaque. So if you want to preserve your "pearly whites" for a lifetime then combine proper oral care and see a dental care professional. Your dentist will be able to answer any questions or concerns you have in regards to gum disease. It is important that once you see a dental care professional you follow his/her recommended treatment plan and continue routine visits. Copyright (c) 2006 SSLI Health Group
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