Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is one of the most dangerous health risks that most of us don’t know about. Millions of us are walking around with gum disease and probably don’t even realize it; according to the ADA, more than 80% of our population. Previous generations are actually more familiar with the problems associated with gum or periodontal disease but they knew the condition by another name: trench mouth

But, as surely as a cavity doesn’t just go away on its own, periodontal disease is not something that you can just ignore because it only worsens with time. What began as a set of relatively mild and painless symptoms can become a nightmare that spreads beyond your mouth and causes serious medical problems in other parts of your body.

We fail to take gum disease problems seriously because scientists and researchers are only just now beginning to understand the link between this medical problem and other, larger issues. Dentists and other medical professionals have spent most of their time trying to educate the public about tooth decay while basically ignoring the problem of periodontal disease. Today, we know that gum disease problems do worsen and they can lead to substantial increased risk for larger medical trouble, such as:

• Heart Attack
• Stroke
• Coronary artery disease
• Weakened immune system
• Loss of teeth

Of course, gum disease is like any other ailment—it begins rather innocently and the symptoms are almost unnoticeable. In its earliest stage known as gingivitis, the symptoms include:

1. Gums may be sore to the touch
2. Inflammation and/or reddening of the gums 
3. Mild form of halitosis will become noticeable
4. Bleeding while brushing or eating hard foods like raw vegetables or fruit, pizza, or subs

This early stage of gum disease can last for months or even years with the symptoms never getting any worse than those listed above. The halitosis may worsen in time and the gums will start to bleed easier—but that will be the extent of it. However, the condition may worsen and become necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis—and more serious symptoms will begin to appear, such as:

1. A grayish film will appear on the teeth and gums that cannot be removed with regular oral hygiene
2. Sores or lesions will begin to appear on the gingival tissue, otherwise known as mouth sores. These are very painful to the touch and it will become uncomfortable to eat certain foods.
3. Halitosis, bleeding, and inflammation will all become more pronounced

The simple truth is that gum disease is a very serious condition with a set of progressively worsening symptoms and consequences for your health. Once the periodontal disease spreads below the gum line, dental surgery and other advanced forms of treatment are often necessary to kill the bacteria and eliminate the problem. There are a few basic steps to take when trying to prevent periodontal disease problems, such as:

1. Pay close attention to your diet. Stay away from sugars and fats.

2. Take vitamins, minerals and herbs to boost you immune system.

3. Maintain a conscientious oral hygiene program that includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush.

4. Visit your dentist regularly-every three or four months. Early degenerative diseases can be corrected.

5. Eat more high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables.

6. Massage your gums with your fingers when you get a chance.

7. Go on a cleansing diet to eliminate toxins from your body.

8. Avoid stress. It encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.

9. Take PerioHealth Plus to promote good gum health and overall health.

10. Research homeopathic aromatherapy, Bach flower remedies, and other herbal substances that promote healing. Please consult with your doctor before undergoing any of these programs.