How to Identify and Prevent Gum Disease
Perio Health Professionals deal with patients suffering from gum disease quite often. The earlier the treatment can take place, the better your oral health will be. This is why we recommend biannual dental visits along with contacting your dental professional if you experience any problems with your teeth, gums, or jaw.
Periodontal disease occurs when the gum tissues have become infected and can cause damage to the surrounding teeth or tissues. As bacteria builds up in the mouth, it can lead to problems without dental intervention. To prevent gum disease, you should maintain proper oral health by brushing and flossing each day as well as by visiting your dentist.
Symptoms and Signs of Gum Disease
The American Dental Association has outlined some of the ways you can determine the need for dental care and watch for gum disease. Early treatment is the best way to improve oral health, so contact your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding in the gums
- Tenderness, swelling, or redness of the gums
- The recession of the gum tissues
- Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth that is persistent
- Teeth are loosening to separating from one another
- Changes in your bite alignment
- A change in how partial dentures fit
Be Proactive
If you’re concerned about gum disease, there are some things you can do at home to slow the progression or prevent it from developing.
Get regular dental exams along with cleanings. Your dentist will use specialized equipment to remove any plaque and tartar on teeth and make sure that they are healthy and free of decay and other oral issues.
Uphold a thorough oral hygiene routine. Poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gum disease. By keeping the teeth clean and brushing and flossing at least twice daily, you can keep oral issues at bay.
Avoid using tobacco products. Tobacco can increase the risk of developing oral cancer and can also lead to additional problems, like discoloration and gum recession.