Everything You Need to Know About Gum Disease

You take care of your teeth, but have you ever considered the health of your gums? To keep your mouth healthy, you must not only brush and floss your teeth but also pay attention to the health of your gums. Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease.  

What you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and what you can do about it for your oral health may be found here. 

Causes of gum disease

There are several reasons for gum disease. Plaque builds up on your teeth and hardens into tartar, leading to gum disease if it isn't removed regularly.  

Accumulated plaque and tartar provide the ideal environment for bacteria; if not removed, they will infect the tissue and bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. Bacteria thrive in a warm, damp environment. Gum disease is primarily brought on by plaque and a general lack of attention to oral hygiene. 

Symptoms of gum diseases

Periodontal disease can be easily treated if caught early enough. As the infection spreads further into your gums, things get complicated. If you have any of these symptoms, you should visit a dentist immediately: 

• Bleeding gums while brushing 
• Tender gums 
• Receding gums 
• Mouth ulcers 
• Prolonged bad breath  
• Gums that have discharge and swelling 

What can you do to prevent gum disease? 

Brush your teeth every day

To avoid gum disease, brush twice a day and floss regularly. Every time you eat, brush your teeth as soon as possible to prevent plaque accumulation in the mouth.  

Dentists advise using a soft toothbrush that does not cause discomfort while brushing your teeth. Changing your toothbrush every three months is another good oral health practice recommended by dentists. 

Flossing daily 

At least once a day, floss or use an interdental brush to clean the spaces between your teeth. Brushing your teeth is essential to maintaining good oral hygiene, but there are some areas that a toothbrush can't reach. 

To achieve this, it's critical to floss at least once a day. If you maintain this daily routine, you'll be less likely to get gingivitis. 

Avoid smoking 

Gum disease is worsened by smoking. In addition, smoking damages your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to fight off any form of infection in your gums. To keep your gums and teeth in good condition, it is strongly recommended to stop smoking. 

Visit a dentist regularly 

Regular visits to the dentist for teeth cleaning are the most effective strategy to avoid developing gum disease caused by the damaging tartar that builds up on teeth over time. Going to an experienced dentist for checkups will increase the chance that any problems will be found early on. 

Must Read: Wondering If You Need a Family Dentist? Consider the Benefits of Seeing One!  

Oral health is vital for taking care of your body from other diseases. Contact Synergy Dental Arts for all your dental needs. We are a trusted family dentist in El Dorado Hills, offering treatments such as dental implants, sedation dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, and orthodontics. Book an appointment with Synergy Dental Arts today!