How To Prevent Gum Disease

Graphic showing the stages of gum disease.

This February is Gum Disease Awareness Month. At Prestige Family Dentistry, this means educating our patients on gum disease prevention. While gum disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if not treated, it is also possible to reduce your risk or completely prevent gum disease by taking a few preventive measures.

What Causes Gum Disease?

The definition of gum disease is relatively simple: it’s the inflammation of gums, generally caused by bacterial infection. So what causes the infection? It depends. Often, gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque along and under the gumline as a result of poor oral hygiene habits. Plaque is a sticky film chock full of bacteria that constantly forms on the surface of your teeth. Without regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque, it can harden and become difficult to remove.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

For many patients, gum disease is preventable. A good oral hygiene routine at home is the first step. Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing each day helps remove plaque from your teeth before it has the chance to build up and harden. A healthy diet can help: when you consume less sugar, oral bacteria have less fuel to feed on. Finally, keep up with regular professional cleanings and exams at our office. These allow our dentists and our hygienists to keep an eye out for any early signs of gum disease and treat them before they become more serious.

What Are Some of the Signs of Gum Disease?

If caught in the early stages, gum disease can usually be treated and reversed. Knowing what to look for is key. Swollen, red, or tender gums are a sign that they may be irritated by plaque. If you notice that your gums bleed easily or that they’re starting to recede from your teeth, these are other signs you may have gum disease. Finally, persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can signal gum disease.