How Do You Prevent and Treat Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and gums. When there isn’t enough oral hygiene to remove the buildup, the plaque and tartar can irritate the gums. This can lead to gum inflammation, also called gingivitis.

Inflamed gums are not only painful but can also bleed easily. If gum disease isn’t treated, it can damage the gums, teeth, and bone. It can also affect your overall health.

However, a few simple tips can help prevent gum disease. These include:

Brush Your Teeth 2x a Day

Brushing your teeth removes leftover food particles and plaque that accumulate throughout the day. Brushing your teeth two times a day will significantly improve the health of your gums.

When you brush your teeth, be sure to brush gently at a 45-degree angle. Brushing too aggressively can wear down the enamel of your teeth and irritate your gums.

Floss Between Your Teeth Daily

Brushing your teeth twice a day isn’t enough to prevent gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line. Flossing also disrupts bacteria colonies that grow along the gum line. These colonies eat sugars from food and cause inflammation in the gums, eventually leading to gum recession.

When gum disease progresses, early symptoms include gum recession and bleeding during brushing or flossing. Later symptoms include tooth sensitivity and pain, as well as pocketing around teeth.

Use Mouthwash Regularly

Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after brushing and flossing. Mouthwash can rinse away plaque and bacteria that brushing and flossing missed. It can also freshen your breath.

Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

You can reduce the likelihood that you will get gum disease by limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks.

See Your Dentist Regularly

In addition to brushing and flossing, seeing your dentist regularly is an essential part of keeping teeth and gums healthy. Your dentist may recommend having your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year as well. This helps remove plaque buildup and tartar, both of which can lead to gum disease.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the most significant factors in the development of gum disease. In addition to increasing the risk of gum disease, tobacco can mask the symptoms of gum disease, making it more difficult to detect.

Quitting smoking is the best way to prevent gum disease. We recommend scheduling an appointment with a dental professional if you smoke. These professionals can help you create a plan to quit.

Avoid Chewing on Hard Food

Avoid chewing on hard foods, such as ice, pencils, or fingernails.

Hard foods have the potential to damage your enamel. Hardened enamel is more vulnerable to decay and takes longer to repair.

If you are concerned about the health of your gums, schedule a visit to our office. We can check your mouth, teeth, and gums for signs of gum disease. If we find anything, we can provide the appropriate treatment.

Signature Smiles, located in Louisville, and Designing Smiles, located in Frankfort,  Kentucky, have expert dentists who offer the best dental care facilities to patients with the help of modern amenities. Call us at 502 326-1800 and book an appointment with our practice to know more about our dental care services.