Preventing pyorrhea gum disease can be done easily.  If you care for your mouth daily with good brushing and flossing habits it will be easy to prevent bacteria from infecting the gums, bone and ligaments.  Pyorrhea is an advanced form of gum infection that can rob you of your teeth and the supporting bone and ligaments underneath.  There are many early symptoms of gum infection that will occur before pyorrhea gum disease develops.  If you find that you have any symptoms you should see your dentist early to prevent a worsening infection.

Redness and swelling of the gums along and between the teeth are the first symptoms.  Bleeding of the gums with brushing and flossing may also occur.  Many people believe that it is “normal” for the gums to bleed when brushing.  This is certainly not normal and your gums should not bleed under regular circumstances. Because most gum infections are painless until very advanced stages it is very easy to overlook a serious infection.  Pyorrhea gum disease may be painless until the infection has reached far below the gum line and begins to break down the ligaments and bone.  Exposed roots of teeth may become sensitive due to the recession of the gums.  The teeth may become sensitive to hot, cold, pressure and sweets.  There is often a bad taste in the mouth along with bad breath; which is known as halitosis.  As infected pockets grow below the gum line there may be drainage of pus from the gums or sores that develop along the gum line. There is no fever.

Regular dental exams are also key to finding any signs of infection early before they become serious. The proper oral care products can make a huge difference in preventing an infection.  Many traditional toothpaste contains chemicals and additives that may trick you into thinking that your teeth are clean when in fact they are not.  Natural oils like peppermint and spearmint in their pure forms are highly effective at removing bacteria in the mouth without added chemicals.  These oils have been used for centuries to treat infection throughout the body and work equally well on the gums. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure, so protect your teeth now and enjoy a lifetime of oral health.