According to the CDC, half of the adults in this country suffer from gum disease and, as a result, many will lose teeth to the disease. If you’re a man over the age of 65, your odds of developing gum disease are even higher! These statistics are scary, but there are things you can do to help prevent gum disease and gingivitis and prevent the loss of your teeth prematurely.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease begins to develop when the bacteria from dental plaque starts to become lodged below the gum line and the roots of the teeth. This causes the gums to swell and pull away from the teeth, resulting in weakened tooth roots.
The first stages of gum disease will result in tender, red, swollen, and irritated gum tissue. The gums will also bleed when flossing or brushing the teeth. If these signs are overlooked, the gum disease will progress into periodontitis, a more severe form of the disease. This is the stage during which the teeth begin to fall out. This is why it’s important to visit your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup.
How To Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is quite simple to prevent. Below are a few tips on how to make sure your gum tissue is healthy for years to come:
- Quit tobacco products – If you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco, you’re at a much higher risk of developing gum disease and gingivitis. We recommend quitting the use of these products both for your dental health and your overall health.
- Brush and floss daily – Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are the best ways to clean plaque off the teeth. With the plaque gone, gum disease is much less likely to occur.
- Visit the dentist – Lastly, visiting your dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup will not only prevent gum disease but will allow your dentist to catch it in the early stages when it’s easier to treat.
Here at Littleton Implants and Periodontics, your dental health is important to us. If you believe you may be suffering from gum disease, please contact our periodontics office here in Littleton, Colorado.