subject: Take A Stand Against Gum Disease With Proper Prevention Measures [print this page] Healthy habits and proper oral hygiene are critical in preventing gum disease. Although it is one of the most common oral health diseases, gum disease is highly preventable if proper care is maintained. Your mouth is an extremely busy place, with millions of bacteria constantly on the move. While some bacteria may be harmless, there are others that can attack the teeth and gums. In its earliest stage, your gums may swell and bleed easily, while the worst may be the loss of your teeth. Bottom line: If you want to keep your teeth, you need to take care of your teeth and gums to prevent gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding a tooth, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. Once gum disease sets in, the toxins that are produced by the bacteria damage your teeth's connective tissue and bone. This can eventually destroy them and bring forth tooth loss.
Some common signs of gum disease include:
*Gums that bleed easily during brushing
*Sensitive, red or swollen gums
*Noticeably bad breath
*Teeth that are loose or appear to have shifted
There are a number of causes of gum disease which can be corrected and controlled. The obvious cause of gum disease is improper dental hygiene. If plaque is not properly removed through daily dental hygiene practices and regular professional dental cleaning, bacteria may set in and cause gingivitis, the earliest sign of gum disease. Other causes of gum disease include organic changes in the mouth, medical conditions, saliva flow inhibitors and poor functional habits, such as teeth grinding.
Prevention and Treatment
Untreated gingivitis will usually progress into more serious stages of gum disease, which cause irreversible bone loss and potential tooth loss. Prevention is essential in the maintenance of your smile. The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, visiting your dentist for regular checkups and maintaining a proper, nutritious diet.
Choosing the proper toothbrush is important in prevention as well. Softer brushes are less likely to injure your gums, and electric toothbrushes often encourage better brushing habits. Remember not to brush too vigorously, however. Brushing too long or too hard can do more harm than good.
Regular dental exams are necessary to remove tartar and to detect early signs of gum disease, but your own dental health regimen also plays a major role in preventing the build-up and progression of tartar. Some preventative steps you can take at home to keep your teeth healthy include: brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily to remove plaque, eat a well-balanced diet, use a mouth rinse in conjunction with brushing and flossing, and avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
When gum disease is detected in its earliest stages, it is extremely manageable and reversible. If you are experiencing bleeding white brushing or any other symptoms of gum disease, contact your Troy dentist for further examination. Remember, early diagnosis and prevention is key in the maintenance of your smile.
