Gum disease, otherwise known as Periodontal disease, is an infection of the teeth, gums and bone that surround the teeth. The main culprit of gum disease is plaque; a sticky collection of bacteria that causes the gums to be red and puffy. Over time, the plaque causes the bone to dissolve from around the teeth. This leads to the teeth becoming loose and eventually could require that the teeth be extracted.
Gum disease is in most cases completely preventable. Regular good hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing regularly is usually enough to stall or stop gum disease in its tracks. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, making sure to also brush your tongue, with fluoride toothpaste is recommended. Also, flossing at least once a day can prevent gum disease from happening. One tip is using an osculating electric toothbrush to brush your teeth. This specific type of rotating toothbrush is better at removing plaque than normal types of toothbrushes.
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, the bleeding should stop as your gums become healthier and tighter to your teeth. But bleeding gums could also be a sign of gum disease, so if it persists you should consult your local Catonsville dentist. Making good food choices is another way to prevent gum disease. Eat a healthy diet and avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar, especially sticky, sweet foods like taffy and raisins. The longer sugar stays in contact with the teeth, the more damage it will do. Avoiding bedtime snacks is also a good way to avoid gum disease.
If you’re wondering if you have gum disease, the symptoms include: bad breath that won’t go away, red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing, loos teeth, sensitive teeth and receding gums or teeth that appear longer. Also, it’s helpful to examine your gums and notice any inflammation that may be happening to them.
Ever needed a reason to quit smoking? Giving up smoking is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease. Tobacco users are up to six times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.
If you have any questions about How to Prevent Gum Disease or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
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Sources:
Gun Disease Prevention, WebMD
Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments, NIDCR (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research)