Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a serious condition that occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth. It is a serious condition that you can manage with the right dental routine. One of the most important steps in preventing gum disease, or minimizing its effects, is to brush and floss your teeth twice daily. Gum Disease can cause tooth loss or need persistent antibiotic treatments if left untreated. Many people use toothpaste and mouthwash to clean their teeth and fight off bacteria buildup. As always, it's important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning. Your specialist can spot potential problems during your dental checkup before they become too painful or difficult to manage. This article will outline various causes, signs, and how you can prevent gum diseases.
Causes of Gum Disease
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to gum disease. some of these factors include:
- Plaque Buildup from Food and Drink - Generally, most people do not brush their teeth long enough for the bristles to reach between the gums. Try brushing your teeth like you would a fine piece of furniture in small circular motions with gentle pressure. Additionally, you need to floss at least once every day. It’s good to do it before bedtime when bacteria is less likely to move around through saliva. Another way to help prevent plaque buildup is by chewing sugarless gums. As a result, this will increase blood flow into your mouth, making it easier for white blood cells to work on any dangerous particles that may be lingering near your gums or tooth surfaces.
- Smoking - Typically, smoking can increase inflammation in the gum tissue. Don't ignore this warning sign. That is because, if left untreated, they could lead to more severe dental complications such as bone loss and tooth loss.
- Poor Oral Hygiene - Not brushing and flossing your teeth can cause plaque to build upon your teeth over time. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria. When left unchecked, it will harden into tartar which can only be removed with a professional cleaning from your dentist.
Other risk factors include:
- Certain medications
- Genetics
- Diseases such as diabetes and HIV/AIDS
Signs of Gum Disease
So, how can you tell if you have gum disease in the first place? Well, it's not always easy because sometimes there aren't any clear symptoms until the problem has progressed quite a bit. However, some common signs that something may be wrong include:
- Gums that are red, swollen, and bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth
- Teeth that seem to be loose
- A bad taste in your mouth, especially in the morning
- Painful chewing
- Persistent bad breath
Preventing or Treating Gum Disease
Typically, gum disease prevention is possible with the right professional dental routine. Following are some of the ways that can help you prevent gum diseases.
- Brush and floss twice a day if you weren't already doing this. Also, be sure to visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings, or more often if they recommend it.
- Another effective way to prevent gum disease is by using fluoride toothpaste which will eliminate bacteria on contact before it has time to do any damage. Chewing gum can also help fight buildup because of its sugarless properties. Additionally, make sure that you brush all surfaces, including the tongue, when brushing your teeth.
- Keep up with regular dietary habits such as eating lots of calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese yogurt, leafy green vegetables, beans, tofu, etc. These help keep bones and teeth strong. Limit sugary snacks and drinks; they are bad for your teeth and lead to plaque buildup. For smokers, quit smoking if you haven't already, as this will help you prevent gum issues.