Tips to Prevent Gum Disease
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What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a serious condition that occurs when bacteria build up on the teeth and gums, leading to infection. Over time, the bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar (also called calculus), which can only be removed by a dental professional. Left untreated, gum disease can progress and impact your oral and overall health.
Besides poor oral hygiene, here are some factors that can put you at a higher risk of periodontitis:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Conditions that impact your immune system, such as HIV or leukemia
- Genetics
- Taking medications that cause dry mouth
- Hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives
Stages of Gum Disease
Inflammation (gingivitis):
If your gums appear red and swollen or you notice bleeding when brushing or flossing, it could be a sign of gingivitis. While gingivitis may not always cause pain, it’s important to take it seriously. The good news is that it can be prevented and even reversed with proper daily oral hygiene. However, if left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to long-term oral health issues.
Periodontitis:
Periodontitis can severely affect the bone and tissues supporting your teeth. In its early stages, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating small pockets where bacteria can accumulate and lead to bone loss. Common signs include bleeding gums, discomfort around the teeth, and persistent bad breath.
As periodontitis progresses, damage to the gums, bones, and surrounding tissues can cause teeth to become loose. You may experience severe pain while chewing, persistent bad breath, or a foul taste in your mouth. In advanced stages, the risk of tooth loss becomes significantly higher if the condition is not treated promptly.
Other complications of periodontitis include:
- Painful abscesses
- Shifting teeth, which may interfere with eating
- Receding gums
- Increased risk of complications during pregnancy, including low birth weight and preeclampsia
- Increased risk of heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes
How to Prevent and Treat Gum Disease
The primary goal of treating gum disease is to control the infection by thoroughly removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. During your visit to our dental office, our experienced team will provide personalized guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques to help you maintain optimal oral hygiene at home. We also recommend regular scaling appointments to remove plaque buildup and clean any pockets that may have formed between your teeth and gums.
In more severe cases, additional treatments may be necessary. Antibiotics may be prescribed to address persistent gum infections, and surgical procedures might be recommended to remove deposits hidden beneath the gums. If bone loss has occurred, a bone grafting procedure can help regenerate lost bone and restore the foundation for your teeth.
Here are some tips that can help keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Consider using an electric toothbrush, which may be more effective at removing plaque.
- Regularly remove plaque from between your teeth with dental floss, pick, or water flosser.
- Clean your tongue at least once a day to remove any lingering bacteria
- Avoid smoking
- Visiting our dental office regularly for hygiene appointments.
Do you have concerns about your dental health? Don’t forget to reach out or book a check-up appointment with us today so we can help protect and restore your smile!
