Red, swollen, or are not uncommon but they can be avoided with dedicated oral hygiene. Our Holly, MI, family dentist encourages you to prioritize taking care of your teeth or risk developing gum disease which if left alone beyond the earliest stage, is an irreversible condition.
Here’s how preventive dental care can fend off gum disease and when periodontal treatment is needed.
Before a gum infection progresses into an actual gum disease diagnosis, it is largely reversible and preventable with proper oral care. The earliest stage that an individual can experience is gingivitis.
Gingivitis is marked by inflamed or red gums that bleed after brushing and are tender to the touch. The onset of this condition is due to plaque buildup at the gum line, but gingivitis treatment is simple and involves at-home care and standard professional teeth cleanings in our office.
If ignored, however, gingivitis will become periodontitis which is a chronic and long-term condition. Not receiving treatment for gum disease at this stage can lead to destroyed gum and bone tissue, severely loose teeth, and even the need for tooth replacement.
You’ve probably heard this piece of advice many times by now. Well, there is a reason why regular brushing and flossing is first on this list for : they work. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily reduces the amount of food particles and plaque trapped in your teeth.
There are an array of mouthwash types and brands out there for consumers to choose from if gum disease prevention is your goal. Knowing which ones are better than others can positively impact your oral health now and in the future.
If you see a seal from the American Dental Association (ADA) on the front of the bottle, you know you’ve found a good mouthwash. This seal of approval means that the ADA has deemed the mouthwash effective and safe to use.
Remember that a rinse should not replace brushing or flossing though it is a great way to further prevent plaque buildup.
There is significant evidence that shows that the use of cigarettes and other products containing tobacco is harmful. Not only is it bad for your overall health, but smoking is directly linked to the onset of gum disease.
According to the CDC, smoking weakens your immune system which means your body has trouble fighting off and treating a gum infection. In addition, your gums are not able to heal as quickly after being damaged.
Visiting our Holly, MI, dental office for a teeth cleaning every 6 months or as often as directed is important for multiple reasons. For one, these checkup appointments allow for our local gum disease dentist to catch any possible issues and advice on proper brushing or flossing techniques. They also provide your teeth with a professional cleaning that can’t be accomplished at home.
That’s right, isn’t all up to your oral hygiene habits. It also involves watching what you eat on a daily basis. Try consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, protein, and whole grains. Foods containing vitamin C and vitamin D have also been shown to help bleeding gums and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.
Sugary foods do not have to be avoided entirely but they should be consumed in moderation and followed up by brushing and flossing at the end of the day.
Need additional advice when it comes to keeping gum disease at bay? Our dentist in Holly, MI, can help you restructure or boost your oral hygiene routine at your next checkup appointment. Call Bandy Dental today at (248) 634-9251 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.
