Gum disease is not fun, neither for our patients nor for us. Gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease is caused by bacterial growth in your mouth. If left untreated, can pose serious problems to your dental health – the leading cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease.
There are many things you can do to keep gingivitis from turning into full-on gum disease (or periodontitis.) Significant gum disease can cause the inner layer of the gum and bone to pull away from the teeth and form pockets where bacteria can grow. Your body’s immune system is tasked with fighting off the bacteria, but the bacteria can break down the bone and tissues that hold teeth in place, causing teeth to become loose.
The good news is that gum disease can be reversed in nearly all cases if practicing proper plaque control. To practice proper plaque control, come visit us in Catonsville for professional cleanings at least twice a year. You can also practice proper plaque control at home by brushing and flossing daily. Brushing removes plaque from the surfaces of the teeth that can be reached, while flossing removes food particles and plaque that might have found its way between your teeth and under the gum line. Another way to reduce gum disease-causing bacteria is to use antibacterial mouth rinses.
There are other preventative measures you can take to prevent gum disease:
- Stop smoking: smokers are seven times at risk for gum disease than nonsmokers. Smoking can also reduce the success of treatment for advanced gum disease.
- Cut out the stress: as with a cold, stress can make your gum disease worse. Your body needs to stay healthy and have a strong immune system to fight off the bacteria that can cause or worsen gum disease.
- Eat well: maintaining a well-balanced diet helps your immune system fight the plaque-causing bacteria that causes gum disease. Look for foods with antioxidant properties, such as those containing vitamin E (vegetable oils, nuts, leafy green vegetables) and vitamin C (citrus fruits, broccoli, and potatoes.) Foods with antioxidant properties can help fight off gum disease by helping your body repair damaged tissue.
- Don’t clench or grind your teeth: when you clench or grind, you might be putting excess force on the supporting tissues of your teeth. If your gums are trying to repair themselves, these actions can actually reverse progress and increase the rate your tissues are destroyed.
Our dentists here in Catonsville are committed to keeping your gums healthy and keeping you healthy, and can offer a wide-range of treatments to prevent or manage gum disease.
About Leikin & Baylin Dental Care in Maryland
Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland offers family dental services for your whole family.
If you have any questions about oral care or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
“We are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family.”
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Source: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease