One of the most prevalent oral health issues affecting people is periodontal disease, otherwise called gum disease. Despite the prevalence of gum disease, it is preventable. Periodontitis, which is the advanced stage of periodontal disease, starts with bacterial growth in the mouth. If untreated, it could destroy gum tissues and lead to tooth loss.
Gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, is less severe and only causes gum inflammation. With prompt treatment, gingivitis will not progress into periodontitis. A person with periodontitis may notice the inner layer of the gums recedes from the teeth to create gum pockets. These pockets tend to accumulate debris and plaque and can quickly become infected. The body’s immune system will naturally attempt to fight the spread of bacteria along the gum line. As the body fights back, you may see inflammation and pus.
As the condition worsens, the pockets will deepen and continue to destroy the gum tissues and bone. Once this happens, the teeth will no longer get the necessary support. The will become loose and may eventually fall out.
To prevent the progression of periodontal disease and improve your oral health, the tips below will help.
Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled brush. The American Dental Association says you should take at two minutes to brush. Ensure you reach the nooks and crannies of the mouth. Brush gently along the gum line at a 45-degree angle and avoid vigorous brushing to prevent damage to the teeth. Do not forget to brush all the surfaces of the mouth, including the tongue.
Flossing is required to reach all the inaccessible areas of the teeth, especially the back teeth which are used for chewing and breaking down food. Flossing helps to clean debris between the teeth. For effective cleaning, you will need about 18 inches of floss. Roll the floss around a finger on both hands. Carefully glide the floss between the teeth until it is clean and free of food particles.
Rinsing is a great way to complement brushing and flossing. Preferably, get an antibacterial mouthwash to lower bacteria count in the mouth. Try not to swallow the liquid. Using mouthwash further cleans the mouth and is preferable when brushing or flossing is not possible. Try to buy an alcohol-free mouthwash because it can cause dryness. A dry mouth can lead to bad breath.
Regular visits to the dentist are essential to prevent periodontal disease. Such visits allow the dentist to monitor the teeth and gum health. If the dentist detects the presence of plaque or infection, prompt treatment will be provided to stop the condition from worsening. Such treatments include root planing and scaling, gum surgery and other gum regenerative treatments.
The most effective way to prevent the disease is to maintain proper oral hygiene and schedule regular dental checkups. If your gums are red, sore or do not seem normal, call our office to arrange a visit with the dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.carolinasmilesdentist.com or call Carolina Smiles Family Dental at (828) 974-3326 for an appointment in our Brevard office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Dental bonding is a process that restores the functionality and attractiveness of a patient’s smile by applying a natural-looking substance to a tooth. Patients with cracks, decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth may benefit from the long-lasting composite material that is put on their teeth. The interesting part of dental bonding is that it needs little…
Your dentist might recommend dental bonding if you are unhappy with your smile. This article explains how long this restoration will last and what influences its lifespan. Whether you have had a tooth gap for years or have recently chipped a front tooth, even a little mistake will make you hesitate before smiling. However, before…
There is a brief window of opportunity in which an emergency dentist may be able to save a tooth that gets knocked out. The chances are better within 30 minutes after the injury and start to decrease after an hour, so prompt treatment is key. There are things you can do before seeing the dentist…
Dental bonding is a perfect idea to try if you require minor smile enhancements. Dental bonding is a fast, simple, and affordable way to enhance the appearance of your teeth while still protecting them from more damage if they have a chip or crack. This article talks about what makes dental bonding a great choice…
Dental bonding is a process that restores the functionality and attractiveness of a patient’s smile by applying a natural-looking substance to a tooth. Patients with cracks, decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth may benefit from the long-lasting composite material that is put on their teeth. The interesting part of dental bonding is that it needs little…
Your dentist might recommend dental bonding if you are unhappy with your smile. This article explains how long this restoration will last and what influences its lifespan. Whether you have had a tooth gap for years or have recently chipped a front tooth, even a little mistake will make you hesitate before smiling. However, before…