Oral Hygiene; Teeth, Mouth and Gums - Good Health Lesson 13

ORAL HYGIENE; TEETH, MOUTH AND GUMS - GOOD HEALTH LESSON13

DISEASE OF THE GUMS OR PYORRHEA
Pyorrhea causes the gums to become swollen and red. They bleed easily. The disease is caused by not cleaning the teeth and gums often enough. It is also caused by not eating enough nutritious food. 
Pyorrhea causes the gums to become loose from the teeth. At the same time the teeth loosen, there is a collection of pus which is carried to other parts of the body. This spreads infection. 
The teeth are loose, the mouth appears affected by blood and pus. The mouth smells bad. The person with pyorrhea is likely to lose appetite for food as he or she cannot chew food. The pyorrhea sufferer's digestion is affected, and the general health becomes poor.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
See your Dentist immediately. Pyorrhea needs proper treatment. There are special treatments the Dentist can prescribe to stop the infection, and clean your mouth and gums. To prevent pyorrhea, brush plaque (the whitish crust) that forms in the mouth. If plaque is not regularly and effectively removed, it hardens and is then called calculus. Calculus can only be removed by the Dentist, Oral Hygienist or Dental Therapist.

Eat protective foods which are rich in vitamins. Make sure you eat enough fruit and vegetables. A well balanced diet is essential not only for general bodily health, but also for good dental health.

BAD BREATH OR HALITOSIS
Halitosis is a condition of the mouth which produces a bad smell. It can be unpleasant to be near someone who is suffering from this complaint. The most usual cause of bad breath is rotten teeth with holes that have become filled with food, which rots if not cleaned out of the mouth after eating. Poor dental hygiene is another factor in causing bad breath. Visit your Dentist every six months to prevent losing good teeth.Your Dentist can examine your teeth for the cause of the bad breath. Your Doctor can also check the tonsils (organs at the back of the throat) for the presence of an infection. Another cause of bad breath is infection in the nose and the space behind the nose. Any infection of the mouth, throat or nose should be treated to prevent bad breath. Your Dentist and Doctor should be able to best advise you re this complaint.

Disclaimer; Please note that the information on this Health Post is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional care