Sore Gums

It is rightly said 'A Smile can win half battle'. When you meet people, you know and just welcome them with your pleasant smile you notice that even the people meet you in the same manner forgetting their tensions or worries of the life. Most of the work is done merely by a simple and beautiful smile.

So, we can say that a beautiful smile, clean teeth and fresh breath are very important assets of our life, isn't it? But what if you are suffering from gum diseases? To have a great smile, the health of the teeth along with the health of the gums is important.

When one talks about dental health, in most cases the spotlight is on the health of the teeth alone. However, we forget that health of the gums is equally, if not more important. Sore gums, a gum disease can occur at any age and at any time. It is usually observed that people above 40 gets this disease. However, it does not mean that one can ignore the health of the gums in the early years. For ignorance or carelessness about any gum ailment can cause sore gums for you at any moment.

A research points that about 75% of Americans above the age of 35 suffer from gum diseases. If the condition is detected in the early phase, then arresting further damage is possible. The start of the condition happens with build-up of plaque on the teeth and bacteria on the gums. When the plaque makes its way below the gum line, it causes soreness of gums, inflammation to the gums, etc.

Sore gums are actually gum disease with two main stages, gingivitis and periodontitis. Along with soreness, pain, bleeding gums, sensitive gums, etc. are some of the symptoms prominently seen in gum disease.

It is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria in plaque. Its symptoms show redness and swelling of gums. It also bleeds while brushing. Bleeding is the normal and predictable symptom of gingivitis. In other words, the gums are irritated. When we get up in the morning we get a sticky feeling on our teeth, it is the plaque.

Bacteria form a thin layer of plaque continuously on the tooth surfaces. It has to be removed everyday otherwise it ultimately gets harden into tartar or in other words calculus. Then it can be treated by your dentist only.

Gingivitis can also occur in sensitive form commonly known as Vincent's Infection. It is extremely painful ulcer at the gum edge. It occurs due to poor oral hygiene, smoking, stress, poor eating habits, etc.

If not treated on time gingivitis can develop into periodontitis. In this condition, the attachment fibers in the gums and supporting bones are infected with bacteria. Bacteria in tartar produce a wastes product that creates toxins and volatile sulfur compounds. These waste products destroy the bone and gums around the teeth.

Slowly they form space between the gums and the teeth, known as periodontal pocket. Volatile sulfur compounds leads to the cause of bad breath. Usually the pockets are formed of 3 mm inside the gums. If it is untreated well in time then it slowly grows deeper and deeper up to 6 mm and more causing harm to the roots of the teeth thus leading to tooth loss.

Here is the summary of the symptoms of gum disease, which one must be look out for, so as to avoid suffering from major dental diseases:

• Bleeding gums
• Plaque on teeth
• Bad breath at all times
• Sticky feeling on the tongue and teeth, even after brushing
• Swollen gums
• Receding gums

• Food clogging in between two teeth
• Loose teeth
• Gum irritation after and while eating
• Soreness in the gums

i. You should clean your teeth daily after every meal with proper ways of brushing and flossing. This helps you to take care of the cavities between the teeth and the gums.
ii. Use soft toothbrush and rinse it well after use and store it in a dry place with proper covering on it.

iii. Avoid any such kind of mouthwashes that contains alcohol or toxic liquid.
iv. Eat the food at normal or room temperature. Avoid eating too cold or too hot food.

v. Drink plenty of liquids and water.
vi. Eat soft and well cooked, tender food. Avoid spicy and salty food.
vii. Wash your mouth with water to avoid bacterial inflammation after having food. Washing also removes the bacteria and promotes healing of sore gums.
viii. Get regular checkups and cleaning from your dentists.

If you still get the symptoms then consult your doctor for getting any liquid or gel to apply on the gums. Gingivitis is curable and can be cured with proper diagnosis from dentists. They use many medical instruments to clean your teeth and remove the tartar in advanced condition.

In the case of periodontitis, if the depth is about 5 mm then consult your doctor who may suggest non surgical treatment involving special scaling of your teeth. This helps in reducing the depth. Last but most important, do not neglect any symptoms of gum disease, so as to protect the teeth in the long run.