Gum disease is a serious oral health problem, causing tooth loss, pain and issues with your systemic health. How can you prevent it? At Woodland Park Dental in Cambridge, ON, our dentists, Dr. Moon Chow and Dr. Sepehr Jafar-Pour, check patients for signs of periodontal disease, encourage good health habits and provide in-office care which really pays off.
What is gum disease?
It's an infection of the soft tissues which support and nourish your teeth and underlying bone structure. Due to poor oral hygiene, hereditary and lifestyle factors and more, Strep germs in your mouth overrun your gums, causing the following symptoms:
- Red, puffy, tender gums
- Soft tissue recession as evidenced by a long-tooth appearance and gum pockets measuring more than three millimeters in depth
- Loose teeth
- Shifting dental bite
- Poor denture fit
- Bad breath which does not go away with mouth wash or tooth brushing
- Pus and sores at the gum line
Additionally, the American Dental Association (ADA) states that scientific research links periodontitis and systemic health conditions such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease, dementia and more. Inflammation is the cause of problems both inside and outside the mouth.
Tips to prevent gum disease
Consistent oral hygiene habits reduce your risk of developing gum disease. Be sure to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss in between and around your teeth daily to remove harmful plaque. See Dr. Chow or Dr. Jafar-Pour twice a year for a professional cleaning and check-up--more often if you are prone to periodontal disease and tooth decay.
Also, take these lifestyle practices to heart, making them a part of your everyday life:
- Relax. Reducing stress decreases your risk of developing periodontal disease, says the ADA.
- Stop smoking or chewing tobacco. Cigarettes, in particular, encourage plaque growth, and the heat from tobacco smoke literally burns your soft tissue.
- Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Fiber cleans your mouth and reduces plaque and tartar. Limit sweets.
- Look at your teeth and gums. If you notice a change in color or texture, or see blood in the sink when you brush, call your dentist at his Cambridge, ON, office right away.
- Drink a lot of water to improve saliva production and rinse away food particles.
Your gums and your health
Take care of both, and we want you to know, we're here to help. To learn more about having great oral health and a smile which lasts, contact Dr. Moon Chow or Dr. Sepehr Jafar-Pour at Woodland Park Dental. Our phone number in Cambridge, ON, is (519) 651-1250.