3 Simple Steps for Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is a huge problem and without prompt treatment by a periodontist, such as Dr. Navid Rahmani, then there is a real risk that it could lead to tooth loss. Untreated gum disease also has the potential to affect general health and has been linked to many serious health conditions. By preventing gum disease you can help preserve your natural teeth and protect your health. Luckily, good gum health is quite easy to achieve and even though gum disease is common, you don’t have to develop it.

1. Learn How Gum Disease Can Develop

Preventing gum disease important as it’s a bacterial infection and is generally caused by poor oral hygiene, although some people with conditions that affect their immune system are more at risk. If you fail to brush and floss, plaque can quickly build up over your teeth and gums and plaque consists largely of bacteria. Even worse, plaque can soon harden into calculus, a substance that is so hard that it can only be removed during a professional cleaning. The bacteria in calculus produce toxins that infect and inflame the gums, initially causing an early form of gum disease called gingivitis. At this stage treatment can still save your gums and your teeth, but soon gingivitis will develop into periodontitis. This is much more serious and at this stage both your teeth and your general health are at risk.

 

2. Make Sure You Don’t Develop Gum Disease

Preventative dental care is by far your best option and is much more cost-effective in the longer term, and it really is very simple. All you need do is visit your dentist on a regular basis for professional checkups and cleanings, or if you prefer you can have regular periodontal evaluations at a periodontal office, such as Manhattan Periodontics & Implant Surgery.

Regular assessments will help detect any small changes to the condition of your gums so action can be taken straight away for preventing gum disease and clear up any signs of infection. Your dentist or periodontist will carefully probe your gums to measure the depth of the pockets in between your gums and your teeth. These measurements are recorded so any improvements or deterioration in your gum health is easy to see. They will also be looking for any signs of active disease such as receding gums, gums that bleed easily when gently probed, or gums that look swollen or red.

3. Learn About Treating and Preventing Gum Disease

A professional scale and polish is another very important step in preventing gum disease and most people will need to have their teeth professionally cleaned every six months. Some people might need to have their teeth cleaned more frequently, for example anyone with a medical condition that increases their risk of gum disease, or sometimes pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease or will worsen any signs of this disease that are already present.

Great professional preventative dental care can only do so much and it is essential that you look after your teeth and gums at home. This only involves cleaning your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time and flossing once-a-day, a simple routine that will take less than ten minutes. Your reward will be healthy teeth and gums and quite possibly lower medical bills.

 

In: Gum Disease

Tags: gum disease treatment ny, gum recession, oral higiene, periodontal treatment in nyc, tooth lost