If it isn’t treated correctly, gum disease can lead to issues that include everything from discomfort to an infection. In the worst-case scenarios, you might have to deal with tooth loss. It’s essential to keep periodontitis at bay for the sake of your oral and overall health.
How Does Gum Disease Occur?
The main culprit is plaque. When bacteria builds, it leads to the formation of the colorless, sticky film that coats the teeth and gums. If untreated, plaque causes decay as it eats away at the exposed parts of your teeth at the gumline. Also, it is a factor regarding the inflammation of the gums. Inflammation pulls the gums from the teeth and leaves holes for the plaque to exploit.
What Are The Signs?
Here are the most important symptoms to look out for:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
If you notice any of the above, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Gum Disease Prevention Tips
Brush And Floss Regularly
The first thing to do is brush and use floss regularly. That means brushing for at least two minutes, in the morning and at night, and getting to the hard-to-reach places. Floss is best for the tight spots in between the teeth and gums. Mouthwash is another excellent alternative as it lifts and loosens stubborn plaque.
Change Your Diet
It’s no surprise that you should cut down on your sugar intake. When refined sugars mix with bacteria in your mouth, the amount of plaque created will double. However, other changes aren’t as noticeable. For example, eating crunchy foods is welcomed as it encourages saliva production. Although it doesn’t sound like much, saliva is excellent at fighting the production of bacteria.
Stop Smoking
Smoking cigarettes isn’t pretty, but at least it only stains your teeth and nothing else, right? Wrong! Among the many other reasons to cut down on your nicotine intake, an oral-related one is that it weakens your immune system. Therefore, it’s harder to ward off inflammation and infections if they occur, leaving your mouth vulnerable to attack. Alcohol is also bad for your oral hygiene, especially sugary drinks such as cider and mixers.
Schedule Dental Exams
Last but not least, please don’t forget to schedule a dental appointment. Even if it’s for a simple check-up, it’s essential to maintain good dental health and to catch gum disease early.
