Dental health includes not only your pearly whites but your gums too. If your gums are not healthy, then your teeth will pay the price as well. Keeping your mouth free of bacteria is the key to good dental health. Read on and learn how to fight against the ravages of gum disease.
What Causes Gum Problems?
Bacteria can accumulate in places that are not easy to access. That then turns into sticky plaque, and that must be removed by a dental hygienist using special tools. Unfortunately, some delay going to the dentist for so long that the plaque turns into tartar, which is even more difficult to remove. Gingivitis is the result of tartar that has remained on the teeth. At this point, gum disease can be reversed if you see a dentist.
When gingivitis is present, you will notice blood when you brush and floss. Pain, swelling, and red gums soon follow. Unfortunately, the worst is yet to come if the gingivitis is not addressed by a dentist. The gingivitis becomes periodontitis, and this is a very serious gum condition.
Periodontitis
Things get increasingly serious with periodontitis as the disease begins to affect your gums in more obvious ways. Your gums will begin to recede, meaning they will pull back away from your teeth. Then, pockets of bacteria can form in your gums and get infected.
As time goes on, periodontitis begins to affect your bones. Your facial structure is made up of your jawbone and other bones. These bones define the structure of your face. In other words, the shape of your face is determined by these bones. However, periodontitis will eventually destroy those bones. That leads to a sagging effect on the face. Unfortunately, this sagging look is very aging as well.
How to Avoid Gum Disease
None of the above need to happen. It's very easy to take care of your teeth just by taking some steps to make sure your teeth are clean and see your dentist every few months. Follow these tips:
- Brush after every meal and especially right before you go to bed. Use a soft-bristled brush.
- Consider an electric toothbrush because a timer ensures you are brushing long enough. Electric dental appliances are also far more effective at cleaning teeth than manual brushes.
- Use a toothpaste or rinse containing fluoride. Many water systems don't have this important mineral added and it's vital to the health of your tooth enamel.
- You can buy a water flosser that is a very good alternative to string floss. Electric water flossers tend to be less likely to cut the gums and cause bleeding and infections too.
Speak to your dentist to find out more.
