Did you know that poor oral health doesn’t just make the onset of tooth decay more likely, but could also cause issues like gingivitis and even gum disease! Fortunately, there are steps you and your family take to help reduce the risks of gum inflammation and periodontal disease, including picking healthier foods and even flossing. Your Houston, TX, dentist explains in today’s blog!
The Connection Between Poor Oral Health and Periodontal Disease
When we don’t take time each day to care for our smiles, and we make poor diet choices, such as eating items high in sugar, this could leave behind bits of food stuck between the teeth for bacteria to consume. When this happens, oral acidity increases and the teeth become coated in a layer of plaque buildup. Plaque not only erodes enamel and causes cavities to form, but also inflames the gum tissues. The inflammation, known as gingivitis, grows more severe with time and eventually allows the gums to pull away from the teeth and form pockets for bacteria to enter. When this happens, gum disease forms. There is no cure for gum disease, but routine care is crucial for protecting the smile from the advanced stage of the disease, known as periodontitis, which could cause adult tooth loss.
Signs of Trouble
The warning signs of gingivitis and the early stages of periodontal disease include sore, red gums that bleed easily, as well as receding gum tissues or swelling. If you begin to notice changes to your gingival tissues, please let us know. We will discuss ways to help protect your smile from home. When our doors open, we can perform procedures such as scaling and root planings to remove plaque buildup and control inflammation. We may also remove diseased tissues to help manage the disease better.
Preventive Actions
How do you keep issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease at bay? Start by brushing your teeth when you wake up and gain prior to bed for two minutes. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid irritating the gum and causing them to recede. You also need to floss before bed. Flossing means you move the tape up and down each side of each tooth, moving briefly below the gum line when you do, to help remove stray food particles and control inflammation. If you have any questions about avoiding issues like gum disease, then contact our team today for more details.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT PERIODONTAL HEALTH?
We want to help you protect your oral health, and that means your gums in addition to your teeth. To learn more about avoiding issues like periodontal disease, schedule an appointment by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at (713) 926-8896.