subject: Protect Your Smile And Prevent Gum Disease [print this page] People who have healthy, active lifestyles seem to have fewer dental problems, while those who smoke, eat poorly or consume alcohol on a regular basis have increased oral health complications. Those who do not brush and floss or visit their dentist regularly have the potential to increase the amount of tartar and decay in their mouth.
Many U.S. adults currently have some form of gum disease ranging from simple gum inflammation to serious damage of the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Gum disease is a serious issue, with health implications worsening as the condition develops, allowing it to spread to other areas of your body. In many cases, gum disease can go unnoticed for months until damage is severe.
What is Gum Disease?
Also known as periodontal disease, gum 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.
There are a number of causes of gum disease, all of which can be corrected and controlled. One cause of gum disease includes improper dental hygiene. If plaque is not properly removed through daily dental hygiene practices and regular professional dental cleanings, 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.
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
*Avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco
Flossing your teeth is the single most important factor in preventing gum disease. Flossing every 24 hours is just as important as brushing because it helps remove the plaque and debris that adhere to teeth and gums between the teeth. Flossing also helps to polish the tooth's surface and control bad breath.
It is important to always check for warning signs of gum disease. However, there may not always be discomfort until the disease has reached an advanced stage. That is why it is more important than ever to visit your London dentist regularly to have your teeth cleaned. Your dentist can monitor your oral health and help you identify and prevent problems before they become more serious.
