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In this post, we discuss gum disease and what you can do to prevent it and protect the health of your mouth, gums, and teeth.
There is more to your dental health than just straight teeth and a white pearly smile. The health of your gums is just as important!
You can have white teeth and be free from cavities but still have gum disease. Just because you are not experiencing any pain doesn\’t mean that you\’re free from gum disease. Many people don\’t realize that anything could be wrong with the health of their gums.
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Gum disease is caused when the bacteria in plaque builds up between your gums and teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance filled with bacteria that can cause infections that hurt the gum and bone. As that bacteria begins to grow, the gums surrounding the tooth will become inflamed.
If left untreated, the inflammation from plaque will cause your gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.
Want to learn more about gum disease treatement in Plano, TX? Schedule your free consultation: (972) 964-3774
Research has also shown that there may be an association between gum disease and other diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Related post: How Gum Disease Treatment Can Prevent Heart Disease
The good news is that despite millions of people suffering from gum disease, it is mostly preventable. The different types of gum disease, gingivitis, and periodontitis, can be kept at bay by you taking the proper steps.
How to prevent gum disease
- Brushing your teeth
- Flossing your teeth
- Rinsing with mouthwash
- Knowing the risk factors
- Regular dental check-ups
Related: 9 Facts About Gum Disease You Should Know
Brushing your teeth
This one shouldn\’t be a surprise to you at all. You\’ve been told to brush your teeth ever since you were a little kid. It wasn\’t because your parents were trying to annoy you. It\’s because brushing your teeth is the foundation of good dental health. It keeps your teeth looking good and it keeps your gums healthy.
How to brush your teeth
Brush your teeth twice daily. Brush your teeth after every meal if possible. This will help remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums.
Floss your teeth
To help prevent gum disease, you should be flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will help remove plaque and food particles between your teeth. It doesn’t even matter what time of day you floss. Whether you floss at night, after lunch, or do it in the morning, you\’re teeth and gums will see the benefits.
How to floss your teeth
Rinse with mouthwash
Using a mouthwash after brushing can help reduce plaque and can remove any remaining food particles that brushing and flossing may have missed.
Related post: What Order Do I Brush, Floss, Mouthwash?
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Know the risk factors for gum disease
Your age, family genetics, diet and whether you are a smoker are all indicator for your risk of gum disease. If you are at increased risk, be sure to talk with your dentist and learn what steps you can take to help prevent it. If you\’re a smoker, quitting smoking will drastically cut your chance of developing gum disease.
Related: The warning signs of gum disease
Get regular check-ups
When you have regular visits to your dentist, you give him or her the chance to detect early gum disease early and begin treating them. That way symptoms can be treated before they become more serious. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. It can also get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing. If you have gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can help reverse it.
Related: What are gum disease treatment options?
Make all of these tips part of your normal routine and you will reduce your chances of gum disease and tooth loss!
Ready to for a check-up or gum disease treatment in Plano, Texas area?
Contact us today to schedule your appointment or set up your free gum disease consultation. Dr. Wilhite has over 30 years experience in treating gum disease and general and cosmetic dentistry. He will discuss possible treatments to decide which is right for you.
You can also discuss affordable financing and dental insurance options to make sure you get the dental care you need.
Call us at (972) 964-3774
David Wilhite is a Plano, TX Dentist with excellent reviews and loyal patients. Contact Dr. Wilhite so he can help you too.
