As dental professionals, one of our primary concerns is helping out patients prevent periodontal disease. That’s because it can negatively affect all of the structures that hold teeth. It can involve inflammation, infection, tooth loss, and irreversible damage to bone. Read on to learn what causes periodontal disease, or gum disease. We also talk about how to prevent periodontal disease.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is also called gum disease. It affects all the area surrounding teeth, including gum tissue and the bones that hold teeth. Its early stage is called gingivitis and is characterized by mild gum irritation. Untreated gingivitis will progress to periodontitis. This is associated with painful infection and tooth loss.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease typically arises from poor dental hygiene. When we eat, food particles remaining in our mouth feeds our bad oral bacteria, which accumulate into a sticky substance called plaque. This bacterial biofilm produces acidic byproducts that break down enamel and irritate gums. Irritated gums become inflamed and begin to bleed, recede, and form pockets as they pull away from the teeth. These pockets harbor dangerous bacteria, leading to infection, sensitive teeth, bad breath, and damage to the tissues holding the teeth in place. Eventually, these issues result in loose teeth, tooth loss, and degeneration of the underlying jawbone.
How to Prevent Periodontal Disease
The key to prevent periodontal disease is maintaining superb oral healthcare habits:
- Brush twice daily for two minutes each time. Use gentle circular motions and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Many patients find they can get a superior clean with an electric toothbrush, since it takes over much of the “hard work” of brushing.
- Remember to brush your tongue too!
- Floss daily to remove food particles and bacteria from in between teeth and from under the gumline.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals and low in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Avoid smoking and using tobacco products, which suppress your immune system and ability to fight off infection in your mouth.
- We also want to emphasize the importance of your biannual dental visits to our dental office in Forest Hill, TX. Our strong professional tools deep clean teeth and gums by safely removing stubborn plaque and tartar. We also check your mouth for decay, cavities, periodontal disease, and oral cancer.
Improve Your Gum Health at Nova Family Dental
If your gums regularly bleed, feel tender and sore, and look abnormally red, start by improving your oral hygiene and set up a cleaning appointment here at Nova Family Dental. We’ll let you know if you require any additional treatment to get your gum health back on track. Moreover, let us know as soon as possible if you notice something serious like a severe toothache, pus, or loose teeth. These are considered dental emergencies and we’d like to see you as soon as possible. Contact us with any questions or concerns about your gum health!
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