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.
