Effective Basic Ways To Prevent Gum Disease

Gum health is not something you obsess over regularly, but it makes a big difference in your well-being.

Your gums act as the bodyguards of your teeth, keeping them away from harmful bacteria and infections.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease can be defined as an inflammation of the gums that can extend to affect the bone that is underneath your teeth.

It is predominantly due to plaque, the soft, sticky deposit of bacteria constantly forming on the teeth.

There are 2 main stages of gum disease:

Z Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the initial sign of periodontal disease, characterised by red, swollen, and sometimes bleeding gums.

Because the disease is typically asymptomatic, many people may be unaware that they have it.

Fortunately, gingivitis is a treatable condition that can be cured with proper mouth hygiene.

Z Periodontitis

Gingivitis, when not treated, can progress to periodontitis.

In this final stage, the gums recede and shrink away from the teeth, creating infected pockets.

The body’s immune system then acts on the bacteria as the plaque widens and thickens below the gum line.

If these diseases are left untreated, the bones, gums, and tissue holding teeth can be damaged, causing tooth loss.

Basic Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

Prevention is always better than cure.

Here are some simple yet effective techniques for keeping your gums healthy and avoiding gum disease:

1. Brushing and Flossing: Gum health depends on maintaining proper oral hygiene. Make sure to floss after brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least two times a day! Flossing helps get the plaque and the food debris stuck between your teeth and gumline.
2. Regular Dental Checkups: Frequent visits to the dentist’s office will ensure your gums are healthy. A dentist can identify the early indicators of gum disease and remove tartar accumulation and plaque with professional cleaning.
3. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Some everyday habits, such as smoking and wrong food choices, can worsen gum condition. If you plan to quit smoking, start eating healthy food rich in fruits and veggies, and cut down on junk, your gum health will improve automatically.
4. Stay Hydrated: Water consumption lowers the chance of plaque development by cleaning your mouth of food residue and bacteria. Moreover, it encourages salivation, your mouth’s natural defence against germs.
5. Manage Stress: Stress can negatively impact oral health. It can lead to bruxism (teeth grinding), which can damage gums and teeth. Use stress-reduction strategies like exercise, meditation, and enough sleep to help your body battle infections, including gum disease. Stress also lowers your immune system.

Recognising the Signs of Gum Disease

Even with the best preventive measures, it’s crucial to recognise the signs of gum disease early.

Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing
• Bad breath or bad taste that continues for a long time
• Receding gums or longer-looking teeth
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitive teeth

If you notice these symptoms, you must see your dentist immediately. Early intervention can prevent more severe issues.

The Role of Professional Treatment

Although dental care must start in the home, seeking professional dental services to avert and treat gum disease is pivotal.

Dentists can treat periodontal diseases by scaling and root planing to clean areas of the mouth affected by plaque and tartar below the gum line.

In moderate and severe cases, operations might be required to treat the gum conditions for a better outcome.

Gum Disease Treatment in Warrnambool

Treatment for gum disease typically involves:

1. Professional Cleaning: Periodontal probing to feel for pocket depths and palpable tartar/bacteria, and scaling and root planing to remove the tartar
2. Medicines: Antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses
3. Surgery: Flap surgery, bone grafts, or soft tissue grafts for severe cases
4. Lifestyle Changes: Quitting smoking, improving oral hygiene, and a healthy diet.
5. Ongoing Maintenance: Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices to prevent recurrence.

Take Charge of Your Gum Health in Warrnambool

Your gums are the foundation of your smile and overall oral health.

By taking simple preventative measures like brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can safeguard your gums against disease and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for years.

If you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease, don’t hesitate to contact your Warrnambool dentist for evaluation and treatment.

At Warrnambool Dental, our patients receive affordable and professional service in a comfortable, family-friendly environment.

Every visit to Warrnambool Dental helps ensure long-lasting oral health and keeps you smiling for many years.

Call us on (03) 5562 4433 or request your appointment online.

Visit us at 454A Raglan Parade, Warrnambool.