Category Archives: Healthy Diet

Causes of Gum Disease

Closeup of a toothbrush with blood on it and blood in the sink from gum disease

Your gums are an essential part of your oral health. They help anchor your teeth into your mouth and provide a barrier so bacteria can’t access the sensitive inner portion of your teeth. If you don’t take care of your teeth and your gums, you risk developing periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.

In this blog post, learn what causes gum disease and how to prevent it.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

There are several stages of periodontal disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

Gingivitis is characterized by gum inflammation and irritation. The gums are swollen, tender, abnormally red, and prone to bleeding.

Periodontitis is when the gums start to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. The tissues and bone surrounding the teeth become damaged. You may experience chronic bad breath, bleeding, sensitivity, pain, and even pus. Eventually, the teeth can fall out and your jawbone can deteriorate, which will change your facial shape and impair your ability to chew, talk, and smile with confidence.

Causes of Gum Disease

The primary cause of gum disease is plaque accumulation from poor oral hygiene. Plaque is a film of bacteria that builds up along and under your gumline, as well as on and between your teeth, unless it is properly brushed and flossed away every day. Plaque irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and infection.

Many factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. These include:

  • Smoking and Tobacco Use
  • High Consumption of Sugar and Carbohydrates
  • Uncontrolled Diabetes
  • Hormonal Changes
  • Certain Medications
  • Genetics

How to Prevent Gum Disease

To prevent gum disease, maintain superb oral health habits! For example:

  • Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes each time.
  • Floss every day.
  • Visit Vero Dental at least every six months for a checkup and cleaning. We’ll let you know if you’d benefit from more frequent visits! These appointments allow our team to detect early signs of gum disease, suggest oral care tips, and remove plaque with our special dental tools.
  • Avoid tobacco products and sugary gum.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Consume a balanced diet.

Periodontal Therapy at Vero Dental

If you have noticed changes in your gum health, please contact us today for a checkup. Our expert team can examine your mouth and determine the best course of action to improve your gum health! We also invite you to explore our website to learn about our comprehensive dental services and affordable payment options.

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How to Keep Your Teeth & Gums Healthy

Brunette girl in a white tank top smiles while holding her toothbrush to care for her oral health

Don’t let your oral health fall by the wayside. Here are some pointers to keep your dental health in tip-top shape:

  1. Brush & Floss
  2. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at least once a day. Be sure to brush your tongue too! Brushing and flossing are the first line of defense for keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong. If done properly and consistently, your oral hygiene regimen can help prevent plaque buildup, bad breath, tooth discoloration, tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

  3. Eat a Balanced Diet
  4. Diet plays a significant role in your oral health. We recommend limiting foods and drinks that have a lot of sugar in them. Bacteria consume the sugar left on your teeth and produce acidic byproducts that irritate your gums and destroy your enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. We also advise staying away from hard foods that can damage your teeth, such as ice and hard candy. Instead, reach for nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These help prevent enamel erosion and boost your oral and overall health.

  5. Drink Plenty of Water
  6. Compared to sports drinks, soda, and fruit juice, water is the best option for hydrating your mouth and encouraging saliva production. Saliva is essential for remineralizing your enamel and washing away leftover food debris and bacteria from your mouth. Additionally, most tap water contains fluoride, a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel against decay. While fluoride naturally occurs in low levels in water and some foods, many communities add it to their public water supply to a level proven to reduce the incidence of cavities.

Reach Out to Our Team!

Are you currently dealing with a dental problem? Contact Vero Dental right away. It may be a dental issue that requires urgent attention. If it turns out to not be a dental emergency, our expert team is still here to help you manage it.

If you have additional questions about how to care for your oral health, reach out to our team at Vero Dental in Denver, CO.

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