How to Avoid Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. Plaque, a sticky substance made of bacteria, food, and saliva, builds up on the teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar. The bacteria in plaque and the toxins they produce irritate the gums and cause them to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause the gums to recede from the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that often results in red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums. It can also cause bad breath, loose teeth, and receding gums. The infection can also result in painful chewing.

Tips to prevent periodontal disease/ gum disease

• Brush your teeth twice a day

Brushing your teeth helps remove plaque. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that accumulates on your teeth. If not removed, plaque turns into tartar, which can only be removed with a professional dental cleaning.

When plaque isn’t removed from the surface of your teeth, it can lead to gum disease and may result in tooth loss.

• Floss your teeth every day

You can help prevent gum disease by flossing your teeth at least once a day. Otherwise, food and bacteria can linger between your teeth and damage the gums. It’s especially important to floss before you go to bed to get rid of food particles that can cause plaque and cavities.

• Professional dental cleanings

Professional dental cleanings are critical to preventing gum disease. During these cleanings, the dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that can infect the gums. This infection causes gum disease, which leads to gum recession, loose teeth, and other problems.

• Avoid tobacco products

Tobacco products can cause bad breath and teeth discoloration and increase your risk of gum disease. Cigarette smoking also causes cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. So, avoid tobacco products at any cost. 

• See your dentist regularly for checkups.

Your dentist can screen you for common oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease. This condition is reversible if it is caught in its early stages. 

• Eat a healthy diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best ways to avoid gum disease. Eating healthy foods and avoiding sugary foods and drinks will help keep your gums healthy.

• Don’t grind your teeth.

Because grinding puts pressure on the teeth, it can cause them to wear down and become damaged over time.

• Treat your dry mouth.

A dry mouth could be caused by some medications, sleep habits, or age. If left untreated, it can lead to gum disease. You may need to change medications to treat your dry mouth. You may also need to drink more water, chew sugar-free gum, or rinse your mouth with water.

At Smiley Cypress Dental Center, we provide advanced treatment for periodontal disease. To know more, please reach out to our dental practice in Cypress, TX, to have a consultation with our dentist. Call us at (832) 353-3600 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.