Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. It is a result of plaque, the clear and sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth.
How do you know if you have gum disease?
You have red, tender and inflamed gums that tend to bleed at the slightest touch. Your gums tend to pull away from your teeth. You have chronic bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth. When you bite, you notice a difference in how your teeth fit together. If you have partial dentures, you notice that they do not fit the way they used to.
Can you prevent gum disease?
You can prevent gum disease. In most cases, it is not difficult to do so. The best way to prevent the condition is to control plaque. You can do this through proper oral hygiene.
Brush your teeth regularly to get rid of the plaque that forms on the external surface of your teeth.
Sometimes, you may find it difficult to remove the plaque and food particles that form in between your teeth. In this case, you can do dental flossing. Dentists recommend flossing once or twice a day.
After brushing and flossing your teeth, you can use a mouthwash to reduce the bacteria that cause gum disease.
The buildup of plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. There are other factors that may contribute to the condition. Controlling or eliminating these factors can help in preventing gum disease.
The excessive use of nicotine and tobacco increases the risk of gum disease. If you smoke excessively, you are likely to accumulate more tartar (plaque that hardens on your teeth), form deeper pockets between your gums and teeth, and lose more bone surrounding your teeth. Quit or minimize smoking to prevent gum disease, or bring it under control.
Crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth, as well as bridgework and braces, often make it difficult to remove plaque, thus, increasing your risk of developing gum disease. Consult your dentist about the most effective ways to clean hard-to-reach tooth surfaces. He may be able to recommend special tools or ways to thread the floss efficiently, so you can clean under braces and around bridgework. You can also consider orthodontics to straighten out crooked teeth, get a brighter smile, and prevent gum disease.
Poor nutrition weakens the immune system, and increases the risk for all kinds of diseases. Eat a balanced diet for healthy gums and teeth. Avoid sugary and starchy foods to limit the formation of plaque.
When you are constantly under great stress, your body finds it difficult to fight infection. You increase your risk of having gum disease. Make sure that you get enough sleep. Reduce stress by doing yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques.
Some medical health conditions make you more susceptible to gum disease. Diabetes, HIV infection and leukemia are just some examples. Some medications also tend to cause dry mouth. Examples are hypertension medications, diuretics, and antidepressants. If you have dry mouth, you find it difficult to produce saliva, making it easy for more plaque to form.
Make sure to inform your dentist if you have these conditions so he can give you the necessary recommendations for preventing gum disease.