The bacteria feed on tiny food particles caught in and around teeth causing the food to rot. The bacteria then excrete acidic poisonous wastes that inflame the gum edges. Your gums then pull away from this irritation forming larger crevaces which allow even more food to be trapped, setting up a viscious cycle where bacteria, food and tartar penetrate even deeper under the gums and intensify their work. Once your gums start to bleed the situation becomes even worse since the blood provides another rich food source for the bacteria. A dults are particularly susceptible to gum diseases since the protective membrane which surrounds teeth in adolescence disappears with age, leaving open spaces where food can be trapped.
Neglected gums can lead to poor overall health and have recently even been linked to heart disease.
Important information on the link between gum disease and heart attacks from ABC News. I f you suffer from drymouth because of a medical condition, medication or chemotherapy treatments, you are even more susceptible to gum diseases and tooth decay because a dry mouth has no defense against decay causing bacteria. Even healthy people who neglect their teeth can suffer from puffiness, inflamation, bleeding gums, gingivitis or periodontal disease - where the only treatment is to cut away the gums. Hope For Your Teeth F ortunately your gums are made of strong, tough tissues necessary to endure the stresses and strains of chewing, and if given the proper care your gums can heal themselves. Your toothbrush, string floss and even fluoride rinses do nothing to remove bacteria from below the gumline where it can decay teeth, gums and bone.