We work diligently to prevent gum disease, it’s a common condition most adults will suffer from during their lifetime. Unfortunately, left untreated gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss making it very important to both prevent and treat it. I can examine your teeth and gums to see if you are showing any signs and make a recommendation for how you can treat and prevent it.
Causes of Gum Disease
There are several reasons that gum disease develops. The primary causes are plaque and tartar which can become trapped in between your teeth and gums or under the gum tissue, then causes your gums to become irritated and swollen. Everyone has plaque, however it is the buildup under the gums over time that really causes issues. Other risk factors to that contribute to plaque buildup are pregnancy, diabetes, and smoking, as they restrict blood flow to the gums, causing them to swell.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
We recommend doing what you can to prevent gum disease so you do not experience discomfort or additional health problems. One of the best ways to prevent this condition is to keep your teeth clean. I encourage my patients to brush their teeth two to three times a day in a circular pattern, moving food particles and plaque away from the gums. Flossing on a daily basis is just as important, and be sure to reach down, rather than stopping at your gum line. Using an antiseptic mouthwash can also help kill lingering bacteria.
Having your teeth cleaned at least twice per year can make a huge difference to your oral care over time. Regular brushing cannot remove all of the plaque, and tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing. We can remove both plaque and tartar in our dental office so your risk of gum disease is greatly reduced. Simultaneously, we recommend that you stop smoking, keep your blood sugar under control, and drink plenty of water, since this can also help improve your gum health.
3 COMMON SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE
(1) Red and swollen gums – gums that bleed when brushing, flossing, or eating anything crunchy.
(2) Teeth that appear to be getting longer, since this is a sign of gum recession
(3) Loose teeth.
I’d like to invite you to call us today (972) 661-3666 to schedule your appointment and start your journey to better health. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Though my office is located in Dallas, I also see many patients from Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving, Denton, Richardson, Grapevine, and the surrounding areas.
To Your Health,
Dr. James Segulyev, DDS
Segulyev Dental Arts – Dallas, Texas Dentist