Gum disease is an incredibly common ailment, affecting around 50 percent of the population in the United States. Left untreated, it can cause many problems, such as inflammation, receding gums, and tooth loss.
Thankfully, you don't have to live with gum disease and suffer from its consequences - there are steps you can take to keep your gums healthy and your smile looking its best. This blog post explores some of these options for preventing and treating gum disease. Learn how to protect yourself against this oral health menace and maintain a healthier smile!
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
1. Red, swollen, or tender gums: Gums that feel sore when you brush them or are sensitive to the touch can be a sign of gum disease.
2. Bleeding while brushing: If your gums bleed even after gentle brushing, it could indicate an unhealthy level of bacteria in your mouth.
3. Bad breath (halitosis): Halitosis is a common symptom among those with gum disease because it indicates bacteria in the mouth.
4. Receding gums: Healthy gums should fit tightly around teeth, but if they're becoming detached, it may indicate that you're suffering from gum disease.
5. Loose teeth: Unhealthy gums can cause your teeth to become loose without treatment.
6. Pus between the teeth and gums: This sign of infection requires prompt medical attention.
7. Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite: Unevenly spaced or misaligned teeth can indicate gum disease, as healthy gums support the mouth's structure and help keep it balanced.
8. Sores in your mouth: These sores often appear as small ulcers on the tongue or inner cheek and are another sign of bacteria in the mouth caused by gum disease.
Risk Factors
Gum disease is a serious condition caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar in your teeth. It can cause inflammation, infection, tooth loss, and other oral health problems. There are a variety of risk factors that can increase an individual's chances of developing gum disease, such as:
Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor brushing and flossing habits can lead to the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth. This bacteria can attack your gums, causing them to become inflamed and infected. Without proper care, this inflammation can eventually become periodontal (gum) disease.
Genetics: Some individuals may be more susceptible to gum disease due to genetics. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or HIV, can also increase your risk of developing gum disease.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking can greatly increase your chances of developing gum disease and other oral health problems.
Stress: Long-term stress can weaken the immune system, making an individual more susceptible to gum infections.
Poor Diet: An unbalanced diet that is low in vitamins and minerals can negatively impact the health of your gums, making them more prone to infection or inflammation.
Medications: Some medications, such as those used to treat depression and anxiety, can reduce saliva production, which helps fight against plaque buildup and bacteria in the mouth. Reduced saliva levels make individuals more vulnerable to gum disease and other oral health issues.
Age: Older individuals are at a higher risk for gum disease because their gums may have receded or become damaged, making it more difficult to keep their teeth and gums clean.
It is important to be aware of these risk factors and reduce your chances of developing gum disease, such as maintaining good oral hygiene habits and visiting your dentist regularly. By taking the necessary precautions, you can help ensure that your mouth remains healthy and free of gum disease.
Preventing Gum Disease
Preventing gum disease is essential for good oral health. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease from developing in your mouth.
Brush twice daily: Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque and bacteria that cause periodontal diseases. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to massage the gums gently.
Floss regularly: Flossing once daily removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth, where brushing cannot reach them. This helps reduce the risk of developing periodontal diseases by removing harmful bacteria that build up over time.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash: Antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, which reduces the risk of developing periodontal diseases. Be sure to use alcohol-free mouthwash, as alcohol can dry out your gums and make them more susceptible to infection.
Avoid smoking or tobacco use: Tobacco use is a major risk factor for gum disease. Smoking or chewing tobacco increases the amount of plaque and bacteria in your mouth, which makes it easier for periodontal diseases to develop. Avoiding these products helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Conclusion
Gum disease is an oral health issue that can have far-reaching consequences. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent severe damage from occurring, so it's important to see your dentist if you have any symptoms that could be indicative of gum disease.
A dental health expert will be able to diagnose the condition and provide treatments that can help restore both the health of your teeth and gums. Taking action against gum disease now can help ensure a healthier smile in the future! So if you suspect you might have gum disease, don't wait - contact a Long Beach dental service today.