Gum Disease: Prevention and Risks
There are lots of ways to lose a tooth, but the most common cause is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. While tooth loss is bad enough, gum disease in its advanced stages can cause a number of health complications that include foul breath, abscesses, reoccurring bacterial infections, ulcers, and swelling, bleeding and discoloration of the gum tissue.
One of the worst realities of advanced gum disease is that it can be extremely difficult to manage, and may even require surgery. Gum disease can be costly, painful, and complete recovery may not always result. That is why prevention is so important. With some daily effort, regular dental visits and awareness of the risks, you can successfully save yourself from the harmful effects of gum disease.
Since gum disease is an inflammatory condition caused by certain bacteria, keeping your mouth clear of plaque buildup is one of the best things you can due to minimize the risks. Plaque is a combination of microorganisms, mucus and food residue that collects on and in between the teeth. Over time, plaque will harden and become tartar, which fixes itself to the base of the tooth near the gum line. Tartar cannot be easily removed at home, even with the most thorough oral hygiene practices. If plaque and tartar are allowed to stay on the teeth, bacteria will continue to feed and proliferate, inflaming the gums to the point of periodontal disease.
The first step in preventing this development starts with removal of food residue and plaque before it hardens and becomes tartar. This is accomplished by brushing your teeth after every meal--or at least every morning and night—and flossing every day. You should start your oral hygiene process by flossing first, brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Flossing first dislodges plaque and food particles from between the teeth, brushing clears residue, and rinsing with alcohol-free mouthwash kills germs without drying out the gums.
While daily oral hygiene is your best line of defense against gum disease, twice yearly dental exams and cleanings are very important. Dental exams accurately address the current health of the gums and detect any warning signs that indicate gum disease may be present or advancing. Professional dental cleanings remove the tough tartar and clear the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth that can easily be missed during regular brushing and flossing.
There are also a number of things you can do in your daily life that can reduce the risk of gum diseases. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, make the effort to quit. Tobacco can make the mouth more susceptible to harmful bacteria and also raise the risk of tooth loss, oral cancer and other serious health conditions. It is also wise to maintain a healthy diet that contributes to healthy immune system function and minimizes the potential for decay. Drinking plenty of water also helps to keep the gums hydrated, which deters bacteria. Last but not least, be sure to stay current on your dental visits and don’t forgo any necessary dental procedures. Issues with tooth alignment, infection, decay and damage are very hospitable to bacteria. Correcting problems like cavities, fractures and crowding make it harder for bacteria to thrive within your mouth.