Tips to prevent periodontal gum disease

Periodontal diseases also called gum diseases are caused by plaque causing bacteria. Plaque is a sticky colorless film that forms in the mouth and builds up between the gums and teeth if you don’t follow proper oral hygiene. Accumulation of plaque is what encourages bacterial growth and can inflame the gums surrounding the tooth. If left untreated, inflammation can deteriorate the gums and supporting bone structure.  It can start with gum recession and lead to tooth loss. Further, research shows that gum diseases are associated with other diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. There are connections between gum diseases, stroke and respiratory diseases too.

The good news is that gum diseases are preventable! Use these tips to keep gum diseases at bay:

Visit your dentist regularly: It is recommended that you see a dentist every six months.  If you are already suffering from a gum disease, you may need to visit a dentist more often.

Brush and floss: Daily brushing and flossing can remove most of the plaque from your teeth. You can also go for professional cleanings to keep a check on plaque build-up in the hard-to-clean areas.

Know the associated risks:  Be sure to talk with your dentist if you are aware of the risk factors that can contribute to gum diseases. Age, smoking, diet and genetics are often associated with Periodontitis. Some over-the-counter medications can reduce saliva flow making the mouth susceptible to infections.

Look for the warning signs: Some common symptoms of gum diseases include bad breath that stays, red or swollen gums, bleeding tender gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, receding gums. These are the symptoms to make you look for  an appointment with your dentist.

To know more about gum diseases and their prevention, contact Green Meadow Dental at 3579 B Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111,  (860)-865-0056. Many people from Hartford come to our office because we are conveniently located next to Target. Our flexible hours and family dental practice makes it easy for busy families to schedule visits for both parents and children.
We also serve neighbouring  areas like Plainville, Southington and East Berlin.