How to Prevent Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. It’s caused by plaque and tartar buildup around the teeth, which irritates and inflames your gums. Without treatment, gum disease can progress and cause many oral health issues, including tooth loss. Early diagnosis and treatment for gum disease are essential to avoid these issues. The early stage of gum disease is often painless, so you must visit our dentist at HD Smile Dental regularly for cleanings and checkups to catch and treat gum disease early.

The Symptoms of Gum Disease

The most common symptom of gum disease is inflammation. You may notice red, swollen gums and bleeding when brushing your teeth or flossing. Other common symptoms include chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. You may also notice that your teeth feel loose or fall out more than usual.

Bacteria in plaque form toxins that irritate your gums and cause your gum tissue to separate from your tooth roots. Without treatment, the gum pockets can become more profound and eventually lead to tooth loss. The early stages of gum disease are considered to be reversible, so it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as you notice any symptoms. If left untreated, the condition can progress to the advanced stage. 

Gum Disease Treatment

The earlier gum disease is detected, the better. Your dentist may recommend regular checkups every three or four months to catch any early signs of infection. Treating gum disease typically involves scaling the teeth to remove the plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gum line. Root planing may also be required to remove infected tissue and smooth the tooth roots to prevent reinfection. This helps promote healing and prevent further complications.

In advanced cases, surgery can reshape the gum line, graft bone, or soft tissue from around the mouth onto the affected site. After treatment, your dentist can recommend the proper dental care routine to help maintain your oral health and prevent future infections.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease in the Future?

Many factors can increase your risk for gum disease, such as:

• Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco.
• A condition affecting your immune systems, such as uncontrolled diabetes or HIV.
• Hormonal changes in puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
• Crooked teeth that are hard to brush appropriately.
• Certain medications cause dry mouth.

But some lifestyle factors can lower your risk, such as:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene practices by brushing twice a day.
• Flossing daily.
• Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
• Eating a sugar-free, nutritious diet.

By practicing quality at-home oral care and having routine dental cleanings at least twice a year, you can reduce your risk of gum disease and maintain optimal oral health! Contact HD Smile Dental at 1680 Vine St #200, Hollywood, CA 90028, or call (323) 464-2033 to schedule your next checkup and cleaning.