Prevent Yourself Against Gum Disease
Prevent Yourself Against Gum Disease
As kids, one of the first things our parents taught us to do is how to brush and floss our teeth. When it comes to good dental hygiene, it is more than having straight teeth and a bright smile. Keeping your gums healthy is just as important! Being cavity-free and having the whitest teeth does not mean that you’re immune to gum disease. It is hard to detect when gum disease starts to set in because it is usually painless in its early stages. September is National Gum Care Month, so it is important to know what preventative measures to take to maintain healthy gums and keep you smiling!
Gum disease begins when plaque starts to build up under and along the gum line. This early stage is called gingivitis, causing the gums to bleed and become inflamed. If left untreated, it can develop into a serious gum infection called periodontitis. At this stage, the infection can damage the gums as well as destroying the jawbone, becoming a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Symptoms to look for include the following:
- Red or inflamed gums that are tender to the touch
- Bleeding gums while brushing your teeth
- Receding gums
- Bad breath caused by plaque buildup on the tongue
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
If you have any of these symptoms you should schedule an appointment at Macaluso right away! Routine dental appointments are key to having good gum health because gum disease is usually painless, dentists measure the depth of the v-shaped crevice (sulcus) between your tooth and gum so see how healthy your gums are.
Preventive Measures:
- Brush and Floss your teeth once or twice a day
- Schedule routine dental cleanings at Macaluso
- Incorporate mouthwash into your daily routine
- Use fluoride toothpaste which helps reduce gingivitis
- Quit smoking or chewing tobacco
Taking measures to have good oral hygiene will help your overall health in the long run and Macaluso is here to help! Call us today to make your preventative gum disease appointment and keep your gums happy!