Healthy Aging Tips

Good oral hygiene and an annual dental examination are two steps which you can take toward healthy aging. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by the build up of plaque and tartar on teeth. Gums become red, swollen and can bleed. Daily brushing and flossing along with a regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can reverse most cases of gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis leads to periodonitis, which is an inflammation around a tooth. The gum pulls away from the tooth and bacteria grows within the resulting spaces. Untreated, the bones, gums and tissue are destroyed, teeth loosen and need to be extracted. Research is indicating that periodonitis increases the risk for heart disease and impede the control of blood sugar levels.