Gum disease is an unfortunate dental problem that affects millions of people every day. While dentists and periodontists are familiar with the common symptoms and signs that point to this attack on the gums, most people don’t even realize they have it until a visit to the dentist alerts them to the problem. But what causes it to form in the first place? To help you understand what causes redness, inflammation, and bleeding to occur in your gums, hear from a periodontist in Worcester who explains what you need to do to prevent gum disease from attacking your mouth.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Unfortunately, there is not one sole reason as to why gum disease develops. When it infects the soft tissue and causes bleeding and puffiness to occur, it can quickly spread beneath the gum line and result in pocket formations that easily trap harmful bacteria and food particles. As a result, if the infection is not treated in a timely manner, bone and tooth loss, as well as serious health conditions, can occur.
So, who are the culprits? Here are a few to consider:
- Smoking and Tobacco Use: Apart from the fact that it weakens your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to infections, thus, making it harder to fight them off and heal, smoking also interferes with how your gum tissue cells function.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant and notice that your gums are bleeding more easily, it is likely due to hormonal changes. This can also occur during your monthly menstrual cycle.
- Lack of Nutrients: Vitamin C is an important part of any regular diet, but if you lack enough of it, it can be harmful to your gums, especially if you prefer to eat foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Both of these cause harmful bacteria to grow and spread, resulting in tooth decay or gum disease.
- Poorly Aligned Teeth: Whether they are crooked, overcrowded, or rotated, the way your teeth align within your mouth can make it difficult to properly clean them, putting you at a higher risk for gum disease. If this is the case for you, make sure to not only brush and floss thoroughly but also receive the orthodontic care you need to address the problem.
How to Keep Your Smile Safe and Healthy
If the idea of possibly losing your teeth and experiencing bone resorption sounds like something you want to avoid altogether, there are a few things you can do to prevent gum disease from developing, including:
- Maintain a good oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day to remove bacteria and food particles from in-between your teeth
- Rinse with an ADA-approved mouthwash to flush away anything brushing and flossing left behind
- Eat a well-balanced diet that limits how much sugar and carbohydrates you consume
- Keep your regularly scheduled dental appointments twice a year
Don’t let gum disease take over your smile. Stay on top of your oral health and watch out for any signs or symptoms that might signal a problem with your soft oral tissues. Should you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your gum specialist in Worcester to receive the proper treatment as soon as possible.
About the Practice
Concerned about what you can do to prevent gum disease? At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics, P.C., we are specialists in periodontal care. By administering the proper treatment, Dr. David Handsman and Dr. Todd Jenny can not only help you regain your gum health, but we can also offer tips and techniques on ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. To learn more about what we can do for you, contact us at (508) 753-5444.
