What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is usually painless but very severe and critical. It starts with mild to moderate bleeding from the gums and may progress to present with loss of underlying supporting jawbone, pus discharge, loose gums, mobile teeth and eventual tooth loss.

What causes gum disease?
There are various factors that may lead you to this dental problem. Some of them are listed below:

• Certain medications
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Substance abuse
• Poor nutrition
• Puberty
• Certain diseases and conditions
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Pregnancy
• Genetics
• Stress
• Poor oral hygiene
• Heredity
• Diet
• Infection etc.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?
If you are suffering from gum disease, you may be experiencing swelling, redness, pain, bleeding of the gums, foul breath, discoloured teeth, crooked teeth, receding gum line, abscess/pus formation, formation of deep pockets between the gums and teeth, shifting teeth, etc.

STAGE 1: Gingivitis
This stage is the beginning of gum disease and is easier to treat because it only affects the gums and not the underlying bone. In this stage, bacteria in plaque builds up, causing the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed during brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage occurs at this stage. Treatment commenced at this stage is completely curable.

STAGE 2: Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a cascade of problems that can occur when gingivitis is left untreated over a period of time. In this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected resulting in pus discharge. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. However, the condition may not subside without proper treatment. It is advised to visit the gum specialist at this stage.

How to prevent/cure gum disease?
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush twice daily, for 3-5 minutes each time. Rinse after every meal and floss daily.
- Use India’s best toothpaste- Dabur Red Paste to clean your teeth and gums. Dabur Red paste is a unique blend of traditional Indian herbal medicine and modern pharmaceutical technology. It is packed with the power of 13 active Ayurvedic ingredients like laung, pudina and tomar that keep all your dental problems away. Dabur Red paste is very successful against plaque, gingivitis and bad breath and can show considerable relief if used to soothe these dental problems. Maintain proper oral hygiene and choose the right toothpaste to keep all dental problems away & ensure proper dental care.