Gum disease or periodontal problems can be defined as infections in the tissues that support the teeth. It is one of the major causes of missing teeth. This problem can be caused due to various reasons, such as not maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine and the buildup of plaque or tartar on the gums and teeth. The most challenging factor that makes gum disease such a complex problem is that it mostly goes unnoticed in the early stages. This blog will discuss the essential details of gum disease and the effective ways to avoid the problem.
What Should You Know About Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common issue that affects individuals all across the globe. Unusual swelling and reddishness in the gums are some of the most common indicators of gum disease. Some of the other signs of gum disease are:
- Reddishness in the gums
- Traces of bleeding from the gums
- Tenderness in the gums
- Receding gums
- Having a persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Suffering from the problem of bad breath or halitosis
- Permanent teeth getting loose
Get in touch with a dentist nearby if you notice any of the signs mentioned above. Just know that addressing any problem early can help resolve it easily, and gum disease is no exception.
Factors That Increase The Chances Of Suffering From Gum Disease
The factors increasing the chances of gum disease have been mentioned in the pointers below:
- Improper dental hygiene routine
- Using tobacco products or smoking
- Genetics
- Having crooked teeth that are really difficult to clean
- Suffering from diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Specific medications
What Are The Effective Ways To Avoid Gum Disease?
The best dentists in Missouri City have come up with five effective ways to prevent gum disease or periodontal problems.
Follow A Proper Dental Hygiene Routine
You will not suffer from gum disease after waking up one fine morning. It gets worse with time and is aggravated by poor oral hygiene practices. However, adopting a few measures and visiting a dentist for regular checkups can reverse gum problems.
Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. This will help remove the food particles stuck between your teeth and, ultimately, reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar. Move the toothbrush in a circular motion, and be careful to clean every area of your mouth. It is better to get a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brushing your teeth with hard bristles can damage the enamel (the outermost layer of the teeth) and be the reason for tooth decay.
Flossing your teeth is equally important as brushing. A piece of floss will help clean the areas your toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Dental professionals advise flossing once a day before brushing to get the best results.
Fulfilling Your Vitamin C Requirements Is A Must
Vitamin C deficiency can cause gum disease. Try to fulfil your Vitamin C requirement by eating kiwis, strawberries, oranges, or even Vitam C supplements. This will reduce your risk of suffering from gum disease. Vitam C is known to have a healing capability that can prevent the common symptoms of gum diseases, such as inflammation and bleeding.
Maintain A Balanced Diet
A healthy diet can improve your physical well-being and improve the appearance of your smile. Sugary foods and drinks should be avoided because they might lead to tooth decay. The bacteria in plaque eat sugar and carbs, producing acid that can harm your gums and teeth in the process. Also, try to include more vegetables and fruits in your daily diet.
Drink Adequate Water
Are you aware that saliva is one of your body’s best natural defenses against dental plaque? Less water intake on a daily basis can cause dehydration, leading to less saliva flow into your mouth. This creates a perfect environment for harmful bacteria to grow in your mouth. So, consuming adequate water on a daily is a must if you want to take proper care of your teeth.
Undergo Dental Cleaning Sessions
Going for dental cleaning sessions can help prevent periodontal problems. Also, it allows your dentist to identify any dental problem at an early stage. He/she can also recommend an advanced gum treatment if you suffer from a severe periodontal problem.
Now that you know the tips to prevent gum disease adopt these measures in your daily schedule. Get in touch with us if you are suffering from gum disease. Book an appointment and let our dentists provide you with top-quality dental care.