Good oral health is not something to take for granted. Your mouth is considered a gateway to the rest of your body. It’s where germs and bacteria make their entrance. You want to head them off at the source before turning into a gum disease such as gingivitis.
Gum disease is, very simply, an infection that undermines your gums and teeth’ stability and health. As the disease progresses, it can cause significant additional problems such as tooth loss or even more severe infections.
Exercising good oral health can prevent gingivitis and other advanced forms of gum disease. It sounds simple, but brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly makes a big difference. It dramatically lowers the risk of needing more advanced periodontal treatment. Reach out to us at Lovett Dental Pasadena to learn about how to maintain optimal oral health.
Gum Disease Prevention Tips
Brushing and flossing are essential in the battle against gum disease. But they aren’t the only solution when it comes to gingivitis and more advanced periodontal issues. There are many other ways of maintaining the health of your mouth, including:
- Drinking fluoridated water.
- Use toothpaste with fluoride.
- Visit the dentist at least twice a year.
- Avoid surgery foods, especially sugary drinks.
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco.
- Don’t drink alcohol, or do so only in moderation.
- Ask your doctor for alternative medications to ones that cause dry mouth.
If you’re a caregiver, it is also important that you make sure to emphasize good dental habits with older individuals. Help them brush and floss if they can’t do so on their own.
How Good Oral Health Can Prevent Gum Disease
Gingivitis is usually caused by plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that adheres to teeth and stays there when we least want it to. Once on your teeth, plaque can transform into something even more damaging: a material known as tartar.
Tartar can form under the gumline, where it begins to collect additional bacteria. The process becomes a cycle that grows and grows until you have gingivitis or worse.
Oral health prevents gingivitis by interrupting that cycle. Brushing regularly, at least twice a day, makes it difficult for plaque to take hold. Flossing roots out particles that might be hiding in the deep recesses of your mouth. If you eat lots of sugary food or drink lots of sugary drinks, you’re providing a breeding ground for bacteria to form and harden into plaque.
Consuming fluoride, brushing and flossing, avoiding tobacco — all of these are elements of good oral health for preventing gingivitis.
More Advanced Forms of Gum Disease
Left untreated, gingivitis can grow into a more serious form of gum disease known as “periodontitis.” This happens when plaque spreads below the gum line and causes an infection that begins to weaken the jawbone, loosening the gums and causing teeth to become misaligned or even fall out.
Some periodontitis can become aggressive and chronic in nature and cause even deeper problems within your body. If you have periodontitis, it requires more advanced periodontal treatment. This is why the need to practice good oral health is so important.
Make Lovett Dental Pasadena Your Family Dentist
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. But it can quickly become something much more serious. That’s why it’s important to maintain a regular relationship with a dentist such as our team at Lovett Dental Pasadena.
Our experienced staff will provide general dentistry services to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums happy and in working order. These services include professional teeth cleaning and fillings and sealants. In the unlikely event, you experience an urgent dental matter, contact Lovett Dental Pasadena to take advantage of our emergency dentistry skills. Emergencies can include chipped or broken teeth, infections, and abscesses. Make the dentist part of your routine to keep gum disease at bay. Get started with your first appointment by contacting Lovett Dental Pasadena at 281-998-8800 today or completing our secure online form for more information.