Preventing Gum Disease for Shelby Township Dental Patients
By the time men and women are in their adult years, their teeth and gums have been through a lot. If their gums remain healthy, they will fit nicely around the teeth, but sadly, many adults will experience some kind of periodontal, or gum disease.
Some studies show that periodontal disease could be related to other health issues including heart problems, stroke, or pneumonia. Still more studies are required to prove if gum disease is directly linked.
What Causes Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is often a result of plaque, which is a bacteria that grows on teeth. If individuals fail to brush their teeth and floss frequently, the gums will most likely end up infected. The infected gums will pull out from the teeth creating pockets. Bacteria then moves in these pockets, where they continue to cause infection. Left untreated, the disease can get worse even creating damage to the bone. The beginning phase of gum disease is called gingivitis. Signs of gingivitis are red and inflamed gums and gums that might bleed right after brushing. Gingivitis can be cured and normally the damage can be reversed. Typically, all it takes are additional cleanings from the dentist and better attention from the dental patient at home.
Avoiding Periodontal Disease
What can you do to prevent gum disease? First, frequent checkups at your dentist are important for preventing periodontal disease. During an office visit, HPS Advanced Dental care will examine the color and firmness of patient’s gums. We use a tiny tool called a periodontal probe that allows us to look for periodontal pockets by measuring the space in between the teeth and gums.
Healthier decisions like avoiding tobacco, eating a balanced diet, and taking vitamins can help prevent gum disease. Also note that certain medications reduce the flow of saliva. Without sufficient saliva, the mouth may become significantly more prone to infections. Additionally, a number of medications can cause abnormal growth of the gum tissue making it hard to brush them correctly.
Usually, you can help prevent periodontal disease by flossing your teeth at least once a day and brushing your teeth two times a day. Be sure to only buy products that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Keep in mind that brushing and flossing on a regular basis might not eliminate all the plaque from your teeth, specifically around the gum line. Plaque may harden into a calculus or tartar. After this bacteria hardens you can have it removed while at your regular cleaning. This is why it is very important to come in for a professional cleaning.
What Are the Periodontal Disease Warning Signs
You may not know that you have periodontal disease because generally there is no pain. There are still warning signs to look out for. Call HPS Advanced Dental dentist if you experience one or more of the symptoms listed below:
- gums that are bleeding
- red and swollen gums
- gums that are separating from the teeth
- continually having bad breath
- pus in between the teeth and gums
- teeth that are coming loose or separating
- your partial denture starts fitting differently
Preventing Gum Disease for Shelby Township Dental Patients
For more information on periodontal disease and prevention for patients in Shelby Township, MI, visit our website, hpsdental.com, or call (248) 652 – 0024.
