After brushing, does your toothbrush ever look like it had a few dips in ketchup? Ok, we know that’s a bit dramatic.
What about your gums—are they ever swollen or tender to the touch?
If you do experience these symptoms gum disease may be the culprit.
But don’t get too worried just yet. The good news is it may be reversible, and we can’t say that about a lot of diseases!
Let’s find out what gum disease is, how it affects your dental health, and 5 tips to help you prevent gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease has various stages and severity.
It can start with plaque (a sticky film filled with bacteria) along and under the gum line.
This plaque can cause gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and if untreated can lead to periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease) which can cause gum and bone infection as well as other symptoms such as:
• Bad breath
• An overall difference in the way your teeth feel when you bite
• Prone to bleeding in the gum area, especially when you floss or brush
• Gums that are tender to the touch, irritated, swollen, and/or appear dusky red, bright red, or purplish
• Chewing may be painful
• Teeth that are loose or have lost teeth
• Receding gum line (when your teeth appear longer because your gums have pulled away from your teeth)
3 Tips to Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is not only treatable—and oftentimes reversible if caught in time (your mouth loves to hear this news!)—it may also be preventable.
Here are 3 tips to help you prevent gum disease before it even starts
1 .Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Not only does a regular visit to the dentist prevent gum disease it also prevents potential cavities, enamel loss, and secondary issues related to oral health like oral cancer and many other diseases.
2. Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Brush and floss twice a day—and if you’ve had an extra “meaty” meal throw in an extra round.
Also, don’t forget your tongue. Brushing this breeding ground for bacteria will definitely support a clean and fresh mouth.
3. Be Aware of Risk Factors
Gum disease can be linked with other aspects of your health including blood sugar and diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory, and even coronary artery disease.
Don’t forget to have a conversation with your dentist about these potential risk factors.
4. (Bonus Tip!) Quit Smoking
We know this sounds easy, but for most, it’s not. Gum disease and smoking are strongly associated due to poor healing of gums that are damaged by smoking, as well as a weak immune system.
If ever there was a time to think about quitting smoking—now is the time—your mouth will thank you for it!
How often can you be told a disease is not only preventable but almost reversible if it does occur? Not very often.
If you stick to daily brushing and flossing, regular dentist visits, awareness of risk factors like hormonal changes, and certain diseases (and don’t forget to throw out those cigarettes)—you’ll be able to enjoy a happy, healthy mouth.
Ready to take a look at your dental health and treat any gum disease that may be occurring?
Give Integrity Dental in Pueblo a call today—we can’t wait to help you!