What Is Gum Disease and How to Prevent It: A Guide to Keeping Your Gums Healthy

Your gums are an important part of your oral health, so it’s important to keep them healthy. Gum disease is a common problem, but it’s also one that can be prevented with good oral hygiene. In this blog post, we’ll explore what gum disease is, what causes it, and how you can prevent it. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how to keep your gums healthy and avoid gum disease. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. Prevention is always the best medicine!

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissue caused by bacteria in plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on your teeth and gums if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. As the plaque accumulates, it releases toxins that irritate and damage the soft tissues of your mouth. Over time, these toxins can cause inflammation and infection in your gums, leading to gum disease.

3 Causes of Gum Disease

1. Poor Oral Hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque can build up on your teeth and gums, leading to gum disease.

2. Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco increases your risk of gum disease by reducing the flow of saliva in your mouth, which helps protect against infection.

3. Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and other hormonal changes can make your gums more sensitive and susceptible to infection from plaque bacteria.

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

The progression of gum disease is divided into four stages. The earliest stage is called gingivitis, and it’s characterized by red, swollen, and tender gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums become infected and begin to pull away from the teeth. This creates pockets where bacteria can accumulate and cause further damage. With advanced periodontitis, bone destruction may occur as well as tooth loss. The last stage is called advanced periodontal disease, and it is the most serious form of gum disease.

What Complications Come from Advanced Periodontal Disease?

Advanced periodontal disease can cause a number of complications, including tooth loss, infection in the surrounding gum tissue, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, people with advanced periodontal disease are more likely to experience pregnancy complications like preterm labor or low birth weight babies.

What is the Treatment for Periodontal Disease?

The treatment for periodontal disease depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. If caught early, gingivitis can often be reversed with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene at home. More advanced stages of gum disease may require a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothes out rough areas of the teeth to discourage further accumulation of plaque. In some cases, antibiotics or surgery may also be necessary to restore healthy gums.

5 Ways to Prevent Periodontal Disease and Have Healthy Gums

1. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily. Proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing gum disease. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps remove plaque, while flossing cleans the areas between your teeth where bacteria can accumulate.

2. Visit your dentist regularly. Visiting your dentist every six months allows them to assess your gum health and detect any problems early on. It also gives them an opportunity to provide personalized advice on how you can improve your oral hygiene routine.

3. Quit smoking or chewing tobacco products if you’re using them. Tobacco use has been linked to increased risk of gum disease, so it’s important to quit if you’re currently using these products.

4. Eat a balanced diet. Eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can help keep your gums healthy, as well as give you the energy to maintain good oral hygiene habits.

5. Be aware of any existing health conditions you have, such as diabetes or heart disease. These conditions can increase your risk of gum disease, so it’s important to monitor your oral health closely if you have any of them.

Trust Dentist of Torrance to Keep Your Gums Healthy

By following these tips for preventing periodontal disease, you’ll be able to maintain healthy gums and enjoy the benefits of a healthy mouth! If you have any questions about your gum health or need advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy make sure to ask our experienced team at your next appointment. One of the best ways to prevent gum disease is to visit your Torrance dentist at least twice a year.

Schedule your next checkup at Dentist of Torrance today!