Do These Simple Things to Avoid Gum Disease

What is gum disease?

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an infection of the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth. When your dentist mentions gingivitis, this is the most mild or moderate form of gum disease that only affects soft tissues.

More advanced forms of the disease infect bones and supporting structures of the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

What causes gum disease?

Your risk of developing gum disease can be influenced by a number of things, such as hormonal changes, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, some prescription medications, uneven teeth, and even genetics. Other things to consider include nutritional deficiencies, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, and genetics.

You should consult your dentist right away if you notice that your gums are bleeding because this is a sign that you may have gum disease. In order to disrupt the millions of bacteria in your mouth, you must practice excellent oral hygiene every day.

If you leave it for too long, your body will try to rid itself of the bacteria by sending more blood to your gums. Swelling, soreness, bleeding, and redness may result from an excess of blood. Your body believes it has an infection, which is known as gingivitis, and it will not heal unless the source of the infection is removed.

Bacteria can be found in plaque, tartar, or calculus, pockets beneath the gums (in severe gum disease), cavities, abscesses, and chipped teeth. They may also hide in old dental work, as tooth repairs create an edge or margin to which bacteria can adhere.

What can I do to avoid gum disease?

There are no real 'tips and tricks' when it comes to avoiding gum disease. The best way to avoid developing gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene habits, plain and simple.

None of the aforementioned elements can initiate or sustain gum disease on their own. Gum disease will start to spread very slowly if you follow a strict and thorough oral hygiene regimen.

For instance, even if you have a genetic propensity for plaque buildup, as long as you brush and floss your teeth twice a day and go to the dentist as recommended for routine professional cleanings and checkups, there is a good chance that gum disease will not be able to progress to its full extent.

Whether a pregnancy causes a hormonal shift, you take prescription medication, or you smoke regularly, the most common cause of gum disease is the unchecked development of bacteria and plaque in the mouth.

Gum disease is usually preventable with a good oral hygiene routine. While the issues listed above can increase your risk (and make prevention more difficult), whether it develops is determined by the decisions you make every day about your oral oral health practices.

If you have questions about gum disease, or about proper brushing or flossing technique, please contact our Calgary dentists today.