MAINTAIN PROPER GUM HEALTH TO AVOID GUM DISEASE REGULAR DENTAL VISITS, CLEANINGS, BRUSHING, AND FLOSSING ARE KEY

Friday, March 22, 2019 9:23 AM

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A lot of people don’t give a second thought to the health of their gums until it’s too late. Gum disease can take time to develop and oftentimes do not have any symptoms so it’s important to be aware of symptoms. When it comes to normal or healthy gums, the color can vary but typically healthy gums are pink or coral in color. Healthy gum tissue is not inflamed, red, swollen, and follows your teeth with a curved line, according to Colgate. A recent study from the Center for Disease Control indicated that 47.2% of adults aged 30-years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Additionally, Periodontal Disease increases significantly with age, in fact, 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have the disease.

Causes of Gum Disease

Most often, the causes of gum disease are from bacterial plaque from poor oral health or lack of regular cleaning visits. Over time the bacteria which forms a thick film over the teeth will build up and cause gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Thankfully gingivitis can be reversed with regular visits to your dentist, proper brushing techniques, and flossing.

Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Much like gingivitis, this more serious case of gum disease is often caused by poor oral hygiene. In severe cases the gums will pull away from the teeth, bone loss can occur, and teeth could even become loose or fall out. Oral health can be a good indication of your overall health and wellbeing so it’s a good idea to schedule regular cleanings with your dental hygienist and dental exams with your dentist.

Warning Signs:

  • Loose teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Red, swollen gums
  • Bleeding of the gums, either spontaneously or while brushing
  • Any change in your teeth or your bite
  • Painful chewing
  • Changes in the way your dentures fit

While overall poor oral hygiene is an indicator to develop periodontal disease there are certain risk factors that can increase your odds of developing it.

Risk factors:

  • Family history
  • Crooked teeth
  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Stress
  • Certain medications
  • Defective fillings

Dental Cleanings and Regular Checkups

Regular dental checkups are an important part of maintaining your oral health. During your regular checkup, your hygienist will:

  • Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
  • Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
  • Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
  • Provide thorough teeth cleaning, rinse, and polish

Visiting the dentist every six months gives you the chance to talk with your doctor and receive answers for any questions you may have about your oral health. Checkups are also a great way for you to find out about new treatments that may benefit your smile. At Walden Square Dental Care we believe that your dental visits should be as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Our staff is dedicated to treating you as a unique individual and to assure that you are happy with the quality and aesthetics of your dental care. Visit us online today or call us to schedule an appointment 847-223-0110.

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Sources:

https://bit.ly/2TZXEVX

https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info