When it comes to dental health, one of the most important areas to take care of is your gums. Your teeth can be in perfect shape, but your gums need to be healthy to support your teeth. For this reason, it is important that you understand gum disease and how to prevent it so that your oral health remains strong. Here are some things you need to know:
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by excess plaque growth at the base of the teeth and along the gum line. The plaque moves under the gums and causes the growth of bacteria. If you do not remove this plaque, the bacteria will continue to grow and cause the gums to become inflamed. If you notice your gums becoming red and bleeding frequently, you may be in the early stages of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can impact the jawbone that keeps your teeth in place. The bone can deteriorate and can lead to your teeth moving or even falling out.
Why Does Plaque Grow?
Plaque is caused by the food and drinks you put into your mouth. Plaque is formed by the bacteria that comes from food and drink, particularly those with high sugar content. Bacteria love sugar because it creates a healthy place for it to thrive. When you do not clean your teeth enough, the leftover food and drink debris begins to grow plaque.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
If you do get gum disease, you need to see your dentist right away. He or she can perform a procedure that scales the teeth and removes plaque and tartar from under the gum line. The dentist will then plane the teeth to smooth out the roots to prevent the growth of plaque and tarter.
How Can You Avoid Gum Disease?
There are some ways to prevent gum disease. The first thing is to always keep your teeth clean with good oral hygiene habits, including daily brushing and flossing. You should also try to avoid sugar as often as possible and even use healthy sugar substitutes, such as stevia. In addition, you need to see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups to evaluate the conditions of your teeth and gums.
If you believe you have signs of gum disease, be sure to make an appointment with a family dentistry clinic right away. The sooner you begin treatment, the better the odds of saving your teeth and preserving your oral health.
If you are tired of coming down with dental problems, the problem might not be your toothpaste. Instead, it could be your habits tied to your dental care. Aggressive brushers, people who have a tendency to forget, and even people who are flossing improperly could be left with serious dental issues, which is why it really pays to focus on mastering the small things. From moving forward with a better brushing routine to doing what you can to identify and resolve ongoing decay, making your dental health a priority is instrumental in preventing pain and added budgetary strains. Check out this blog to find out more.