Wondering what kind of damage gum disease can do to the overall health of your mouth? According to the American Academy of Periodontology, if left untreated, gum disease can cause the gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This deterioration can eventually lead to serious gum recession and the eventual loss of one or more of your teeth.
Want to understand how gum disease affects your overall health? Gum disease leads to a decline in your oral health due to the buildup of bacteria that eventually destroys the underlying bone and gum tissue. Gum disease can also negatively affect your body health. According to Healthline, gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease because inflammation in the gums and bacteria may eventually lead to the narrowing of important arteries.
The following is a list of five great tips that can help anyone prevent being diagnosed with gum disease.
Brushing the teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste helps prevent a gum disease diagnosis. The teeth should be brushed for at least two minutes, a small amount of time to give for good oral health. The tongue should be gently scraped or brushed for just a few seconds in order to remove any lingering bacteria.
Flossing the teeth at least once a day helps remove any plaque buildup in between the teeth. Flossing also removes any hidden food particles that can cause gum problems. For dental patients who find it difficult to floss and therefore avoid the process, they can try using a floss holder, which makes it easier to floss the teeth.
Swishing the mouth with an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps keep bacteria under control. Too much bacteria buildup only leads to problems within the mouth and should, therefore, be a point of focus.
A healthy diet helps prevent gum disease. A diet that includes many starchy and/or sugary foods only supports a buildup of plaque on the teeth. Once plaque is on the teeth, it can only be removed by an experienced dentist. A healthy diet also supports a healthy body, and a healthy body is one that does everything it can to prevent the body from being negatively affected, which includes gum disease.
Smoking cigarettes is known to contribute to gum disease and therefore should be completely avoided. Smoking weakens the body’s immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Because smoking weakens the body, when gum disease is present, it makes it harder for the gums to heal.
If you think you might have gum disease, your next step is making an appointment so you can know for sure. If you are indeed diagnosed with gum disease, you will need to closely follow your dental professional's instructions in order to restore your gums. If you do not have gum disease, that is great news! Now all you need to do is use the above prevention tips so you will never have to experience gum disease.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
You may need a type of dental restoration at some point in your life. There are many types of treatments available. Knowing how to select each one can give you the results that you need. Here are some tips on how to choose the right type of dental restoration procedure that will fit your dental…
Many people underestimate the importance of regular visits with a general dentist. They assume that daily brushing and flossing are enough. While at-home care is crucial, routine dental checkups ensure long-term dental health and prevent oral health complications.A general dentist functions much like a primary care provider for a person's mouth, serving as the first…
A strong and stable dental restoration can replace your missing tooth. Many people suffer from tooth loss. Using removable dentures is a way to fill the dental space. This can prevent many dental issues from developing. Here are the dental restoration options available for your missing tooth.The dentist will assess the patient’s mouth and see…
A root canal removes the infected pulp, then cleans and seals the tooth. Many patients may be unsure if there is anything else they need to do after the root canal. The answer is yes; they will need a dental restoration to restore the tooth's functionality. Let us dive into why leaving a treated tooth…