Gum Wisdom: Strategies for Lifelong Gum Health
Maintaining your gum health should be a lifelong goal because of the health problems related to gum disease. What starts as a minor gum infection one year can lead to a weakening bone structure that holds the teeth in place years later. Gum disease treatment is just one of the services we offer at Artistic Touch Dentistry. Understanding the causes of gum disease will help lead to better lifestyle choices and habits that will prevent it from happening in the first place.
How Does Gum Disease Develop?
Gum disease starts as a minor infection known as gingivitis. The gums may feel tender and swollen and begin turning red. You might notice some blood on your toothbrush initially. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to what we more commonly refer to as “gum disease,” which is periodontitis. With periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the teeth and form pockets where an infection can form. This is when the problem starts to become more serious.
The body’s immune system reacts to the infection like any other. It can attack the bone structure and connective tissues that hold the teeth in place. Symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Shift in bite structure
Have a Good Daily Oral Hygiene Regimen
Every person is their first line of defense regarding maintaining healthy gums. Toothbrushing should happen twice a day with toothpaste. You should floss at least once a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it several times throughout the year when it frays. You can also add a Water Pik and specialty brushes to your regimen. The main thing is consistency. Regular brushing and flossing help keep plaque at bay.
Make Good Lifestyle Choices
Confident lifestyle choices can either increase or reduce the risk of developing gum disease. Many scientific studies have confirmed the link between nutrition and gum health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports the strength and health of your teeth and gums. Vitamin C found in citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables aids in restoring and replenishing the gums. Calcium from dairy products contributes to strong teeth. Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water helps with saliva production and washes food particles off the teeth.
Other lifestyle choices can increase the risk of gum disease. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are examples of habits that can compromise the health of the gums and weaken the immune system, which opens you up to infection.
Keep Those Dental Appointments
Regular dental checkups are another essential way to keep your gums healthy. Professional dental teeth cleaning every six months helps prevent the long-term buildup of plaque and tartar. Your dentist in Melbourne, FL, will examine the gums to watch for signs of infection. When gum disease is caught in its early stages, it is much easier to treat and clear it up than if it is allowed to advance to later stages.
Knowledge of Other Risk Factors
Certain conditions can make a person more predisposed to developing gum disease. Being aware of these risk factors allows you to take steps to avoid creating a problem. If either of your parents had gum disease, there is a chance that the risk of gum disease has been genetically passed down to you. Certain chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes can put people at greater risk of gum disease. Medications that cause the mouth to dry out can also cause problems by reducing saliva flow. If you have any of these concerns, ask your Melbourne dentist about them.
Schedule Your Next Checkup at Artistic Touch Dentistry
If you’ve noticed any tenderness or if your gums are bleeding while brushing and flossing, you should come in and see us for a checkup and cleaning. You can contact us at Artistic Touch Dentistry through our website or at (321) 724-1400.