Many of us are vigilant of our teeth health. But what about our gums?
Gums are the foundation of our oral structure. Neglecting gum health can lead to all sorts of teeth or oral problems – decay, tooth loss, bleeding, cavities, and more.
A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sheds light on the fact that nearly 30% of Americans suffer from some sort of gum disease.
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis turns into periodontitis if treatment is delayed. The latter is a severe form of gum disease that can go deep inside the gum tissues and damage the bones supporting your teeth.
Gum disease begins with gum inflammation when gums become tender, swollen, and red. Your gums also bleed easily as gingivitis grows. Periodontitis is the final form of gum disease which can lead to tooth loss.
If you suspect that you or someone in your family is suffering from a serious form of gum disease, follow this guide on how to prevent it. It helps you keep your family’s oral health in top condition and reduce the risk of growing this serious condition.
What’s Periodontitis?
Your oral hygiene routine plays a big role in the prevention or growth of gum disease. If your dental care routine doesn’t focus on removing plaque and tartar, the accumulation of dirt, debris, and bacteria might lead to gums pulling away from teeth. This creates pockets in your gum where bacteria hide and might expose tooth roots. Sounds painful? You can get periodontal services once/twice a year to detect gum disease at the earliest or before it sets in.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Periodontitis?
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums
How to Prevent Periodontitis?
One thing that you must know is – you can prevent periodontitis but you can’t reverse it once it grows. So it’s best to put efforts into gum disease prevention and follow these tips to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush twice daily: The simplest of them all is brushing twice a day. If you want to make the most of your oral hygiene habits, then use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Don’t skip any surface of your teeth (including the gum line) while brushing.
- Floss daily: A lot of us struggle to floss daily but flossing highly benefits our oral health. Dental floss can reach places where toothbrushes can’t reach.
- Eat a balanced diet: No matter what you do to maintain your gum health, you won’t reap the benefits if your diet doesn’t support your oral health. Fruits and vegetables, fish, green tea, seeds, nuts, mushrooms, and water support gum health. It’s advised to steer clear of sugary snacks and drinks as they contribute to plaque buildup.
- Quit smoking: Smoking plays a critical role in your struggle with periodontitis. Get rid of this habit to quicken your gum healing process.
What Happens if Periodontitis Is Left Untreated?
The pain and discomfort that accompany periodontitis might stop you from ignoring it. However, if you still manage to not pay attention to it, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, and affect other areas of the body. You might also lose teeth if periodontitis remains untreated for an extended period.
So if you suspect you have periodontitis, call us to get the right help at the right time.