It’s a fact: gum disease usually occurs in the absence of proper dental routine. When you skip brushing or neglect to floss daily, the plaque that develops on your teeth can lead to red or swollen gums, bad breath, bleeding and receding gums, and eventually, the loss of teeth.
Any of these signs should prompt patients to schedule an appointment with their Dallas dentist. An improper dental routine can lead to more serious problems such as periodontitis – an infection that causes the gum tissue to retract, damaging the bones supporting the teeth. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 47% of U.S. adults suffer from mild, moderate or acute cases of periodontal disease.
Causes of Gum Disease
Dental plaque is the result of bacteria, mucus, and other particles present in the mouth. Brushing and flossing thoroughly are two of the most efficient ways a person can remove it. Otherwise, dental plaque can harden to the point that observing a regular hygiene routine will no longer be effective.
Hard plaque, also known as ‘tartar,’ can only be removed through professional cleaning. If not removed, tartar can cause a wide variety of gum problems, especially when the patient suffers from certain health issues or has a bad habit that can affect oral health. For instance, smoking can increase a person’s risk of developing gum disease.
Other risk factors as described by the NIDCR are:
- Diabetes
- Hormonal changes in women
- Certain medications (such as those for AIDS)
- Genetic susceptibility
Improving Gum Health
Proper oral hygiene is important for keeping your gums healthy. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends:
- Brushing teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing regularly to remove plaque between teeth
- Routine dentist visits
- Professional cleaning
- Quitting smoking
Professional Help
If left untreated, gum diseases can escalate and have a negative impact on a person’s dental health. When that happens, the only solution is to seek professional help from a trusted Dallas dentist.
They will examine your gums to see the level of inflammation and measure the “pockets” formed around the teeth due to gum decline. The dentist will also analyze the medical history of the patient to underline risk factors or genetic predispositions. Then, they will take an X-ray to assess the bone damage and suggest the right course of treatment depending on the specific needs of the patient.
While the treatment will depend on the patient’s particularities, one of the requirements of improving gum health is adopting a more comprehensive dental hygiene routine at home. The dentist may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as smoking, to ensure a higher treatment success rate.
Make an Appointment Now
In its initial stages, gum disease is just a minor discomfort that most people ignore. However, things can escalate quickly and turn into problems that can cause the loss of your pearly whites.
If you are dealing with gum issues, contact us at Dallas Dental Wellness for more information on how to improve gum health.
Sources:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/Dental-Health-and-Heart-Health_UCM_459358_Article.jsp#.WpkrcWpubIV4
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/improve-gum-health-in-less-than-5-minutes-0613
https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/study-links-gum-disease-to-cancer-in-older-women
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/behindtheheadlines/news/2017-08-22-gum-disease-linked-to-increased-risk-of-alzheimers-disease/
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info
