Simple Things to Avoid Gum Disease

Here's What Gum Disease Really Is

Gum disease (also referred to as periodontal disease) is an infection of the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth. When you hear your dentist talking about gingivitis, this is the most mild or moderate form of gum disease, and it 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.

Common Causes Of Gum Disease

There are a lot of things that can lead to a higher risk of developing gum disease. These can include plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth, hormonal shifts, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, some prescription medications, uneven teeth and even genetics.

Bleeding gums are also a telltale sign that you may have gum disease, which is why you should schedule an appointment with your dentist if you notice that your gums are bleeding. Because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, great oral hygiene every day is a must - to disrupt the bacteria.

If it is left too long, your body will try to rid itself of undisturbed bacteria by sending more blood to your gums. The excess blood may cause swelling, soreness, bleeding and redness. Your body thinks it has an infection - this is called gingivitis, and it won't heal until the source of the infection is eliminated. 

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

Tips 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 above-listed factors alone can cause gum disease to develop and thrive. If you maintain a rigorous and thorough oral hygiene routine, it will be very difficult for gum disease to start to take hold.

You may be prone to plaque buildup dues to genetics or other factors, but as long as you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once per day and visit your dentists regularly for cleanings and checkups, there is a good chance that gum disease will not be able to fully develop.

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

Most of the time, gum disease can be easily prevented with a good oral hygiene routine. While the issues listed above can increase your risk (and make prevention more challenging), whether it actually develops comes down to the decisions you make every day about your oral health practices.

If you are worried about the development of gum disease, talk to our Goulds dentists and we can discuss your oral hygiene routine and treatment options.