When it comes to the health of your mouth, it is not always about the straightness of your teeth or the brightness of your smile. You should never neglect your gums. Even if you are completely free of cavities and have the whitest smile around, it does not mean that you are immune to gum disease. This common condition is typically painless, and people do not normally know that anything is abnormal with their gums. Fortunately, Supreme Dentistry can guide you through ways you can prevent gum disease from occurring.
Early Stages of Gum Disease
The medical term for gum disease is periodontal disease. No matter what you call it, the condition begins when plaque begins accumulating along and under the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film that attaches to your teeth, leading to infections that harm both gum and bone, causing the development of tooth decay and gum disease.
The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis, which makes your gums become:
- Red and inflamed
- Tender
- Swollen
- Susceptible to frequent bleeding, even when not brushing and flossing vigorously
Gum disease is reversible at this stage. Left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis that affects the bones holding your teeth in place. Periodontitis can eventually destroy gum tissue and bone that firmly anchor your teeth within your mouth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Brush and Floss Regularly
It should come as no surprise that regular brushing and flossing made the list of ways for gum disease prevention. These two simple activities help remove food debris that can accumulate on and around your teeth and gums. These materials would otherwise feed oral bacteria that can lead to the development of plaque and tartar, which can only be removed by a
professional tooth cleaning.
Stop Smoking
You already know that smoking is a major health risk for developing cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and other serious medical conditions. It is also strongly linked with the development of gum disease. Since smoking leads to a weakened immune system, it can also make it more difficult to fend off a serious gum infection. If your gums have already been damaged, smoking makes it more difficult for them to heal.
Rinse Using a Therapeutic Mouthwash
Therapeutic mouthwashes are products that are normally available over-the-counter to help you minimize plaque, slow the rate of tartar development, or prevent and minimize gingivitis.
Besides these benefits, rinsing your mouth with a therapeutic mouthwash helps remove any food particles and debris that your toothbrush may have missed. Check to ensure that your mouthwash displays the ADA seal, meaning that it is both safe and effective.
Keep up With Your Regular Dental Cleanings
It is important that you and your family schedule regular dental appointments. Your dentist can spot early signs of gum disease before you do. Some patients consider dental cleanings to be a hassle and mundane, but they are anything but. Cleanings are a vital part of your oral care because they help gum disease prevention.
At your dental cleanings, your dental hygienist has an opportunity to examine your mouth to detect any problem areas. They will use special tools to scrape away any plaque or tartar found on your teeth and around the gum line. With regular brushing and flossing at home, maintaining those boring dental cleaning appointments is the best way to prevent gum disease.
Supreme Dentistry Can Help Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious condition that can wreak havoc on your mouth and eventually lead to the loss of your teeth. The good news is that the condition is completely preventable by following the four steps outlined above. If you neglect your regular dental exams and cleanings, reach out to your dentist today to get back on track with these important appointments. Call Supreme Dentistry today at
844.966.2333.
