Dentists always encourage good oral hygiene, but you may not realize the long-term benefits that come from caring properly for your teeth. It’s not just about having a white smile, but your oral health can affect many different systems within your body. The CDC estimates that nearly 50% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Taking some steps to prevent gum disease from developing may be one of the most important steps in providing good oral and overall health for the duration of your life.
What Is Gum Disease?
The early sign of gum disease is called gingivitis. Common symptoms include bleeding when brushing and red, puffy gums. If left untreated, it can develop into more serious issues that threaten your oral health.
Untreated gingivitis develops into the more serious periodontitis, which causes a range of oral health problems. These include swollen, red gums, pain when chewing, tender or bleeding gums, receding gums around teeth, sensitive teeth, and changes to your bite over time. These symptoms should be reported to your dentist as soon as you notice them beginning.
What Causes Gum Disease?
To know how to prevent gum disease from developing, you first need to understand the root causes of why it begins. Several factors can contribute to gum disease:
- poor oral hygiene
- smoking
- diabetes
- heredity
- stress
- old fillings
- ill-fitting bridges
- stress
- pregnancy
- certain types of medications
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
While some causes of gum disease cannot be prevented, such as heredity or pregnancy, you can take some measures to mitigate the chance of developing or worsening gum disease.
- Gingivitis can be prevented by good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day and daily flossing. An antiseptic or therapeutic mouthwash can also kill bacteria hiding in tough-to-reach spots in the mouth.
- Regular cleanings by your dentist can lessen the chances of gum disease development and detect any issues early.
- Avoid tobacco, as it is one of the leading causes of gum disease.
- Eating a balanced diet can also improve your chances of healthy gums and teeth. Healthy foods strengthen your teeth and prevent sugary foods from building up and creating plaque on your teeth.
Treatment Options
If your dentist determines that you have some form of gum disease, he/she may recommend some non-surgical treatments such as at-home periodontal trays, root planing, or deep in-office teeth cleaning to scale tartar from the teeth. More serious cases may require surgical treatments such as dental implants, laser gum surgery, or periodontal surgery. To avoid invasive measures like this, good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can maintain your oral health.
With some preventative measures, you can often avoid or lessen the chances of gum disease from developing. Your dentist can determine what kind of treatment options can help reverse the progression of periodontitis. The team at Coral West Dental can evaluate your concerns and set you on the path toward a healthy smile. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
