Gum disease is a bacterial infection in the tissues and bones around the teeth. Healthy gums should not bleed easily with brushing. They should appear pink and fit tightly around teeth. Gums that are swollen, tender, red, bleed easily, or are receding from teeth are likely infected with gum disease. It is a serious problem that can affect oral health, lead to tooth loss, and cause infection and ailments in other areas of the body as well if left untreated. There are some steps you can take to help prevent gum disease.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
According to Smith Family Dental, gum disease starts in areas where bacteria is allowed to grow and thrive. The better oral hygiene you practice, the less likely you are to suffer from gum disease. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss and use a fluoride mouth rinse at least once a day. These basic practices are extremely important.
2. Visit the Dentist
Your mouth produces plaque, which is a clear sticky bacteria filled substance. Brushing at home can help eliminate plaque from your mouth. Plaque turns into tartar, which is a hard substance that cannot be removed with at home brushing. Visiting a dentist every 6 months for a routine cleaning is essential to tartar removal and a key component to good oral health.
3. Watch what you Eat
Watching what you eat is not as simple as just avoiding sticky sugar filled candy, although this is important. It is important to make conscious and intentional decisions about what you eat and try to choose foods that actually improve oral health. Crunchy fruits and vegetables high in water content help trigger the flow of saliva, which naturally washes small food particles away from teeth. Include healthy sources of calcium such as cheese and unsweetened yogurt to encourage strong tooth development. Avoid sugary drinks and stick with water as your primary drink. Eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals is good for your dental health, as well as your overall well-being.
4. Avoid Frequent Snacking
Nearly as important as what you eat is when you eat. Frequent snacking bombards your teeth with sugars, which feed bacteria. Allowing time between meals and snacks gives saliva time to wash food away from teeth. Always follow a snack with a drink of water and brush teeth after snacking when possible.
5. Know your Risk Factors
Certain factors put you at greater risk for developing gum disease. As you age, the likelihood of gum disease developing increases. Hormonal changes in women can also increase your risk. Smoking or use of chewing tobacco both are huge contributing factors to gum disease. Know your risk factors and do what you can to minimize or eliminate them.
Taking good care of your mouth translates into better overall health. Early gum disease often does not cause pain, so it is important to know the indicators and work with your dentist to ensure the best oral health possible.