Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects millions of people per year. The bacteria cause it in plaque. When this accumulates between the teeth and gums, it causes inflammation that can lead to various complications.
Gum disease is a severe condition that can cause a variety of dental and overall health problems. If you suspect you may have gum disease, please do not delay in obtaining periodontal treatment. Call Lovett Dental Piney Point Village today at 832-242-2030 for more information.
Do You Have Gum Disease?
If you start to experience red and swollen gums, a receding gum line, and bad breath, you likely have the early stages of gum disease or gingivitis. If left untreated, this can lead to periodontitis. This condition is a lot more severe and can eventually lead to the loss of teeth. If you have any gum disease symptoms, immediate management of your condition with periodontal treatment is vital. We can help you arrange an appointment with one of our specialist periodontists. It is essential to find effective ways to stop gum disease in its tracks.
Commit to Brushing and Flossing
If you are already brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, you are on the right track. Even with brushing, the areas between your teeth can get missed. Brushing only reaches around 70% of the total area of your teeth. The only way you can clean between your teeth and below the gum line is by flossing or using interdental brushes. You may notice that your gums bleed the first few times you floss, which is likely because your gums are inflamed, which is an early symptom of gingivitis. If you continue to floss, and your gums are still bleeding for longer than a week or two, it may suggest something more serious is going on. If this is the case, we recommend you make an appointment with one of our specialist periodontists, who will be happy to advise you.
Know Your Risk Factors
Whether you smoke, your diet, genetics, and age can all increase your chances of developing gum disease such as gingivitis, as can the use of certain medications. If one or more of these factors applies to you, contact Lovett Dental Piney Point Village today to discuss how you can keep your mouth healthy.
Avoid Tobacco Products
There are many great reasons to quit using tobacco products, and one of those is the positive impact it will have on your oral health. Individuals who use tobacco products are far more likely to develop gum disease than individuals who do not. This is partly because tobacco products weaken the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Overhaul Your Diet
Removing sugary treats from your diet is great for your oral health and your waistline. Adding more healthier foods to your meals is a great place to start. Leafy greens are full of minerals and vitamins, which are known to reduce inflammation. Crunchy vegetables and fruit increase saliva production. Additionally, dairy products help strengthen bones and neutralize harmful acids in your mouth, thanks to the calcium they contain.
Regular Dental Appointments at Lovett Dental Piney Point Village
In addition to regular check-ups, a professional scale and polish treatment can remove hardened plaque that builds upon the surface of your teeth and around the gum line, leading to gingivitis or other gum problems. Lovett Dental Piney Point Village offers dental treatment options to keep gum disease at bay, including:
- Teeth cleaning
- Fluoride treatments
- Tooth decay prevention
- Pediatric treatments
Contact Lovett Dental Piney Point Village at 832-242-2030 for more information.
