Gum disease, also commonly known as periodontal disease, starts when plaque builds up under and along your gumline. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on people’s teeth. It usually causes infections that harm the gum and bone. This leads to gum disease as well as tooth decay.
If left untreated, gum disease can cause the gums along with the supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This usually leads to gum recession or in some cases even tooth loss. Gum disease has also been associated with particular diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, gum disease can be prevented. Here are some ways to keep gums healthy.
It is important to keep the area where the teeth meet the gums clean. This can help prevent gum disease. Keeping the surfaces of the tooth clean will help to stave off both gum disease and cavities. It is always advisable to brush the teeth after every meal. This will help to remove plaque and food trapped between the gums and teeth.
It is also vital to clean the tongue because it can harbor bacteria. This should be done with a tongue scraper or toothbrush. The importance of using the proper equipment cannot be overemphasized. A person should use toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles that fits in the mouth comfortably. Using a battery-operated or electric toothbrush can be beneficial. These can reduce gingivitis, which is a mild form of gum disease, and plaque more than manual brushing.
An individual should clean between the teeth every day with an interdental cleaner such as floss. This may help prevent gum disease and cavities. Flossing often helps to remove plaque and food. Plaque that is not removed will eventually harden into tartar. When tartar collects along the gumline, it can lead to gum disease. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed by a dentist.
A dental provider can detect early gum disease symptoms. This is why seeing the dentist on a regular basis is important. It will allow symptoms to be treated before they become more serious. During a checkup, the dentist or hygienist will remove the tartar and plaque. If a person has gingivitis, brushing and flossing consistently and regular dental cleanings can help reverse it.
Smoking can increase the risk of gum disease. It usually weakens the body’s immune system. This, in turn, makes it more difficult to fight off a gum infection. Additionally, smoking makes it harder for the gums to heal properly once they have been damaged.
Your overall health depends on several simple dental care habits like flossing and brushing. Adding these habits to your daily routine can help prevent a variety of problems including gum disease. It is important to clean between the teeth, brush, schedule regular dental visits, and avoid tobacco. These will help to significantly reduce the risk of gum disease. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist about how you can stop the habit.
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