If you think you’ll know when there’s a problem in your mouth, you might want to think again. The CDC has found that almost half of all adults over the age of 30 in the United States have gum disease, but many of them don’t even realize it. At first, the condition can be painless, but if left untreated, you might start to lose your teeth, and you could even be at a higher risk for life-threatening health issues! That’s why this September, your dentist is celebrating National Gum Care Month; it’s the perfect opportunity to learn more about avoiding gum disease in Carrollton.
What Exactly Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease and is the result of the gums, ligaments and bone around the teeth becoming infected and inflamed. The earliest stage is gingivitis. The bacterial toxins in plaque will cause your gums to become red and swollen; you might also notice persistent bad breath or some blood on your toothbrush and dental floss. Eventually, the plaque hardens into tartar, leading to periodontitis. This is a much more severe condition that pulls the gum tissues away from the teeth.
Gingivitis can often be cured with a simple routine cleaning at the dentist’s office in addition to practicing good oral hygiene at home. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is much harder to treat, and if it’s left alone the bone and ligaments holding your teeth in place could be destroyed, leading to gaps in your smile. Worse yet, the bacteria in your gums could enter your bloodstream and cause damage in other parts of the body, increasing the chances of suffering from a heart attack, a respiratory infection, and other dangerous conditions.
How Can You Protect Your Gums?
The good news is that keeping your gums clean and healthy is easy! You just need to make sure you’re always maintaining the right habits, whether it’s at work or at home. This includes:
- Brushing at least twice a day on or around the gumline. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months.
- Floss at least once a day.
- Drink water throughout the day to avoid dry mouth.
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwashes.
- If you have diabetes, keep it under control. (High blood sugar increases your risk of an infection.)
- Avoid eating or drinking too much sugar; a diet filled with milk, yogurt, apples and other healthy options will be much better for your gums in the long run.
Of course, the worst can sometimes still happen even if do all the right things, in which case you’ll likely need to get periodontal therapy in Carrollton. The key is to act as soon as you feel something’s wrong; if you wait until the disease becomes painful, it might be too late!
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy has been practicing dentistry for over 13 years and is currently a member of the North Texas Dental Society. At her practice, Aegis Dental, she’s always committed to giving her patients the time and individualized care they need. If you want to schedule a checkup or think you might need periodontal therapy for gum disease, visit her website or call (972) 492-6700.