Preventing And Treating Gum Disease

Dentist Articles

Gum disease is not exactly uncommon in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 47.2 percent of adults aged 30 or older suffer from this oral health issue. If gum disease is not treated properly, it can put you at risk of tooth loss, stroke and coronary artery disease. To reduce your chances of developing this condition, you must take proper care of your teeth and gums. Here are a few helpful tips for preventing gum disease:

Invest in an Electric Toothbrush

An electric toothbrush might be a little pricier than a standard one, but it is well worth the investment. These toothbrushes do a better job at removing plaque from underneath your gum line, preventing infections. Brushing with an electric toothbrush also gives your gums a nice massage, which improves blood circulation. The great thing about an electric toothbrush is that it does most of the work for you.

Step Away from the Cigarettes

If you want to keep your gums healthy for as long as possible, you need to stay away from tobacco. The chemicals in cigarettes reduce blood flow to your gums, making them more susceptible to infection. Quitting this nasty habit can also lower your risk of other oral health issues, like bad breath, oral cancer and tooth decay.

Eat More Vitamin C Rich Foods

Vitamin C is known for increasing your immune system and fighting off bacteria, including the kind in your mouth. If you include more vitamin C rich foods, such as oranges, papaya and strawberries, in your diet, you will be less likely to develop gum problems in the future.

Do Not Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding is a terrible habit that can wear down your tooth enamel and cause your gums to recede. If you currently grind your teeth, you should talk to your dentist about the best way to quit the habit. For example, if you grind your teeth while you sleep, it may be necessary for your dentist to give you a custom made mouth guard.

Limit Sugary Treats

Cupcakes and donuts might make your mouth water, but consuming too many sugary treats can be detrimental to gum health. The bacteria from sugary treats can linger in your mouth for hours, increasing the risk of gum infections. To protect your gums, try to eat sweets as seldom as possible. When you do get a craving for something sweet, drink some water afterward.

What Are the Different Treatments for Gum Disease?

If you still do develop gum disease, it is possible to treat it and prevent further oral health issues. Here are some of the treatment options that your family dentist might recommend:

Scaling and Root Planing: If your gum disease has not advanced too much, scaling and root planing may be all that is needed. During this procedure, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic and scrape plaque off your gums and smooth the rough spots.

Flap Surgery: Severe gum disease may require flap surgery, which involves lifting the gums and removing all the plaque. This procedure will make the space between your gum and tooth smaller, decreasing the risk of bacteria growth.

Soft Tissue Grafts: If your gum tissue has receded too much, this procedure can provide your gums with more tissue. The tissue can be removed from the roof of your mouth and stitched to the gum line.

Bone Grafts: If gum disease has loosened your teeth, a bone graft is likely necessary. During this procedure, fragment from your bone will be placed to the affected area, which will help strengthen your teeth.

22 December 2015