How To Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is still a prevalent issue in modern society and it’s more common than you’d expect.

Here’s everything you need to know about gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a serious infection that affects the gums. It damages the soft tissue and without treatment, can cause teeth to loosen and even lead to teeth loss.

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque, which is composed mainly of bacteria. This can harden into tartar under your gum line. The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the greater damage is likely to occur as a result. 

Symptoms of gum disease can include:

●     Swollen or puffy gums

●     Bright red, dusky red or purplish gums

●     Gums that feel tender when touched

●     Gums that bleed easily

●     Pink-tinged toothbrush after brushing

●     Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth

●     Bad breath

●     Pus between your teeth and gums

●     Loose teeth or loss of teeth

●     Painful chewing

●     New spaces developing between your teeth

●     Gums that pull away from your teeth (recede), making your teeth look longer than normal

●     A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

How can I prevent it?

Developing gum disease is often a result of poor oral hygiene. However, there are several factors that may enhance your susceptibility to it.

These can include:

●     Gingivitis

●     Poor oral health habits

●     Smoking or chewing tobacco

●     Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy or menopause

●     Recreational drug use, such as smoking marijuana or vaping

●     Obesity

●     Inadequate nutrition, including vitamin C deficiency

●     Genetics

●     Certain medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes

●     Conditions that cause decreased immunity, such as leukaemia, HIV/AIDS and cancer treatment

●     Certain diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease

To prevent gum disease, you must practise good oral hygiene habits and routines:

Brush your teeth properly

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.

Make sure you floss regularly

Get into the habit of flossing regularly before you brush - this allows you to clean away the loosened food particles and bacteria.

Cut back on smoking

Smoking is a prevalent cause of gum disease. Cutting back significantly reduces your chances of getting it.

Visit your dental hygienist regularly

It’s also important to get your teeth professionally cleaned every 6-12 months. At Acorn Dental Care, our experienced dental hygienists are on hand to offer dental hygiene treatments to identify potential issues and prevent them from getting worse. From cleaning to teeth scaling and polishing, we’ve got you covered.

Go for regular dental check-ups

Getting regular dental check-ups reduces the risk of gum disease and also provides you with the opportunity to get successful treatments. 

If you’re concerned about gum disease or have any other queries, you might benefit from making an appointment for a dental checkup and speaking to local dentists. Acorn Dental Health is a family-friendly dental practice that puts our patients at the heart of everything we do. Contact us now to find out how we can help you.