When it comes to the health of your mouth, you want to prevent gum disease. It does not matter how white or straight your smile is if your gums are not healthy. Even if you do not have cavities, it does not mean that you will not get gum disease. The problem is that gum disease is usually painless in the beginning stages. That means you might not notice you even have it at first. Keep reading to learn more about this condition.
This condition happens when bacteria-containing plaque begins to build up beneath the gumline. This sticky substance can easily infect the gum, negatively impacting the bone. This can cause tooth decay. Plaque will cause gingivitis, which is the earliest sign of gum disease.
The condition is reversible, but it can cause the gums to be inflamed or even bleed. Flossing or brushing can cause tenderness or bleeding. The good news is that this stage does not impact the supports of the teeth. However, without treatment, it can develop into periodontitis, which is advanced gum disease.
A dentist can look for early signs of gum disease. This allows the dentist to treat the symptoms early on before becoming more serious. Getting a professional cleaning allows the dentist to take care of tartar. Cleanings also help remove plaque. The patient may not be able to get everything off with home care. Regular dental cleanings are part of reversing the earliest stages of gum disease.
There are many reasons for patients to avoid smoking. Gum disease is one of them because many studies have linked smoking with gum disease. It can weaken the immune system, which means the body will be less able to fight off an infection. If the gums have already been damaged, then smoking prevents them from healing properly. It has been found that periodontitis can progress faster in people who smoke than those who do not. Smokers often do not have a good outlook when it comes to gum disease.
Manual brushing can be hard to get right. Using an electric toothbrush may work better for some patients. It should be replaced every three to four months. Replacing the toothbrush can prevent damage to the gums.
Patients can usually find this type of mouthwash over the counter. This can help reduce gingivitis and plaque. It can also slow down the development of tartar. Another benefit is that the mouthwash can remove food debris from the mouth. This is not a substitute for flossing and brushing, but an extra step.
Gum disease can cause you to lose your teeth. However, if you follow the right steps, you are likely to be able to prevent it. Avoiding smoking and having good oral hygiene are two ways that you can stop this condition. If you feel that you have gingivitis, it is a good idea to make a dental appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://riverfallsfamilydental.com or call River Falls Family Dental at (812) 962-7342 for an appointment in our New Albany office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Following a root canal, patients must restore the tooth to ensure it is fully functional. Dental crowns are the most commonly used dental restoration after these procedures. Their full coverage and natural appearance make for a well-rounded restoration that blends in with the rest of the smile. Read on to learn more about crowns and…
Dental fillings are commonly used to restore teeth that are in bad shape. When a tooth becomes infected at a surface level, dentists refer to it as a cavity because the infection ultimately creates a hole in the tooth due to the decay. The first step in treating a minor to moderate cavity is to…
Full mouth reconstruction can restore the smile's functionality, appearance, and health even when multiple issues are at play. This treatment includes various dental procedures designed to address severe oral health concerns or extensive damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw. Often performed by a general dentist or prosthodontist, it delivers transformative results, helping patients achieve…
Missing one tooth or multiple teeth can make it harder to perform everyday functions. It can also make you feel self-conscious about smiling. Dental implants not only restore the function and appearance of your smile, but they also help restore your everyday oral health.Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in a person's jawbone.…