Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, yet it is one of the most misunderstood diseases in America. If you are not aware of the dangers of this disease, how to prevent it and the damages it can cause, you could be putting your mouth at risk for a variety of issues.
Rather than taking the chance, learn about the disease and then come in for an appointment so we can help you determine if you have any of the risk factors pointing to this disease. If we catch it early enough, we can help you reverse the disease. If it is not caught early enough, we can help you with the appropriate procedures to treat it and enhance your overall health, while reducing your risk for tooth loss.
You Should Be More Worried About Gum Disease Than Cavities
Many patients worry about tooth decay, which is a valid worry; however, gum disease is much more detrimental and a larger reason for tooth loss in adults. The good news is that the prevention for both tooth decay and gum disease is the same; you need to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
It is about more than the frequency of your brushing, however, it is also about the technique. You need to properly brush every tooth in your mouth at least twice a day in order to eliminate the plaque or bacteria that can build up and put you at risk for gum disease. In addition, if you neglect to floss at least once a day, your risks of gum disease increase even further.
Kissing And Sharing Utensils May Cause Gum Disease
Gum disease is not typically thought of as a communicable disease, but it can be. For certain people with lower immune systems or that are more susceptible to certain germs; gum disease can be shared by kissing or sharing utensils. Rather than taking the risk, ensure that your mouth is healthy before kissing your loved ones and avoid sharing utensils or straws whenever possible.
A Healthy Diet Can Prevent Gum Disease
As much as gum disease is reliant upon your oral hygiene habits, your diet also plays an important role. If you choose foods that are low in sugar and high in nutrients, you are doing your teeth and gums a favor. In addition, consuming certain foods, such as low-fat dairy and crunchy foods that clean your teeth, can help to strengthen your mouth’s ability to fight against gum disease.
Genetics Play A Role In Gum Disease
If you have a family history of gum disease, you should be cognizant of your risks to obtain it too. It is important to let us know about your family history so that we can keep a watchful eye for the disease for you. Early detection is the key to proper treatment and curing of gum disease. The earlier we know about it, the earlier we can begin to watch your oral health for it, eliminating the risk of premature tooth loss in your mouth.
Gum disease is a very serious disease that should not be taken lightly. If you think you are at risk, a check-up is vital in order to determine the appropriate treatment plan. Your goal should be to keep your natural teeth for the rest of your life, which means proper care of your teeth and regular checkups to determine what procedures are necessary to further your goal of keeping your natural teeth.
Please call us today for your evaluation to determine if you are at risk or already have gum disease. We can help you get your oral health back on track!