Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a ruthless opponent in the fight for oral health. Operating slowly, it is hard for the layperson to detect the earliest ravages of this condition until it is too late. Presenting in a number of conditions once advanced, the dental patient who suffers from gum disease will also experience gingivitis, quite possibly the most well known oral health issue today. In and of itself, gingivitis is not a painful condition but instead is more inconvenient and perhaps aesthetically unpleasant, since the inflammation of the gum tissue is accompanied by an angry red color, and a predisposition of the gums to bleeding. Quite frequently gingivitis is noticed by a patient when oral hygiene tasks or the consumption of hard foods result in immediate bleeding. Left unchecked, gingivitis will develop into chronic periodontitis which becomes a risk not only to oral but overall bodily health.

Generally speaking, periodontal disease of any kind is caused by bacteria that are permitted to grow and reproduce unchecked, thus leading to an infection of the mouth. The production of the bacteria is a steady and constant process, thus it is impossible to prevent them from eventually overtaking the mouth. Once left to increase in number without hindrance, these bacteria will impact not only the oral health, but also negatively affect the body's immune system. Interestingly, gingivitis itself is limited in location to the gums just above where teeth and gums meet. As the condition worsens and the bacteria continue to spread and take over the healthy areas of the mouth, they will reach the area below the gum line; at this stage the name of the periodontal disease present is periodontitis. While the bacteria continue to spread and affect the gums, they will also begin to adversely impact the bones themselves and as a result a patient may notice that the teeth are beginning to move a bit as though they were loosening. The underling reason for this condition may be traced back to the destruction of gum tissue that leads to the creation of small, empty areas between gums and teeth which not only contribute to the loosening sensation but also provide further fertile breeding ground for more bacteria. Patients who experience this stage will need to visit their dental professional immediately or be faced with the reality of impending tooth loss.

Since the bacteria contributed to the rotting of flesh and also tooth enamel, it is not impossible for them to also attack the jawbones themselves, and once the teeth give way and fall out, the progression of the disease indicates that a slow rotting of the bone structures is the next stage. From there, the bacteria will continue to attack the body, eventually leading to heart problems that have been linked back directly to periodontal disease. In addition to the foregoing, the constant barrage of harmful bacteria causes the immune system to gradually become overwhelmed and ineffective, turning a simple cold into a bout of pneumonia. Fortunately, advanced periodontal disease can be avoided with proper oral hygiene, as indicated by your dental professional, and the use of mouthwash formulated from natural ingredients that do not adversely affect the mouth tissues, such as commercial, alcohol based substances might.