How to Reduce Gum Disease Before it Gets Worse

So you visited your hygienist and she told you that you have gum disease. Your brain starts to panic a little and you ask yourself “How did I get gum disease???” Gum disease is a little frightening if you don’t know what it is. 75% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease and the vast majority doesn’t even know it! Basically, gum disease is a form of a bacterial infection involving the gums. This is thankfully reversible and treatable.

Gum disease happens between the teeth and spreads like wildfire. Plaque sits on the teeth and eventually will harden into tartar. Then the tartar will start to eat away at your bone and cause your teeth to become loose and in severe cases tooth loss. This severe tooth loss is known as periodontal disease. Now this hardening of the plaque does take time to develop and if you don’t remove it by seeing your dentist on a regular basis it will progress into periodontal disease.

As you leave the dental office with your receipt and your bag of floss, toothpaste and toothbrush you now ask yourself, “How do I get rid of this or at least stop the progression from getting out of hand?” Great question and I have your answers right here.

Brushing at least twice a day, three times is best but if you can only do twice then that is perfectly acceptable. Maybe picking up an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one will make things easier. There are different types on the market and talking with your dentist and your hygienist will help you make the right choice for your needs.
Flossing-the forgotten practice. It’s a pain, no one likes to do it, but let’s face it, it has to be done. If not, you won’t remove bacteria, food and plaque from in between your teeth and that will cause cavities and gum disease. There are different varieties and different types of products on the market to help with your flossing. Water piks are great if you have large spaces or if you just can’t stand the thought of using your fingers to remove food from your mouth.
You must visit your dentist on a regular basis. If you don’t the tartar will not get removed and things will progress in the wrong direction. Tartar can not be removed by simple brushing and flossing. Your hygienist has the tools and the knowledge to help get it off and to keep it off.
No smoking. For those of you who do smoke, this is the worst thing for your mouth as well as your health. Smoking dries out the teeth, which makes for bacteria heaven. Plaque and bacteria will stick great on dried out teeth. It can reduce your saliva flow which also helps wash away the plaque. Not only that, but smoking stains your teeth in a variety of colors and this too, can only be removed with the help of your hygienist. Let’s not mention the fact that it is not a pleasant odor on one’s breath either.
Healthy eating. Ok, we live in a world that has different fast food places on every corner and who eats a salad in the car?? So, burgers, fries, and pop all become our easy diet. When we eat raw, fresh vegetables, we are promoting more chewing which helps to “massage” the gums and gives your teeth an opportunity to be used with the purpose that they were given. Calcium rich foods also help protect your teeth from decay.
Medications are another factor. Medications reduce saliva in the mouth causing a condition known as dry mouth. This condition can be easily remedied by taking over the counter saliva producing products. Remember, if you have a dry mouth this will cause bacteria and plaque to sit on your teeth much easier.

If you are wondering if you have gum disease, ask yourself these questions. If you answer yes to any of these see your dentist.

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath.
Loose teeth
Gums that have “pulled away from your teeth
Pus between your teeth and gums

Gum disease is something that can be stopped. If you have any of the above signs and/or symptoms, please contact your dentist immediately so that you can prevent more damage being done to your teeth and bone. Your dentist and hygienist will be more than happy to give you all of the information you need as long as you ask questions.

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