Gum disease can absolutely devastate a patient’s smile if it is left untreated and unaddressed. Unfortunately, many times gum disease progresses asymptomatically, so it can be difficult for people to spot the signs of oral infections, and seek treatment right away. That’s why our Glendale gum disease dentists have put together this article regarding things you can do to minimize your risk of dealing with gum disease in the first place.
The Root Cause
Gum disease occurs when harmful oral bacteria infiltrate vulnerable oral tissues, especially gum tissue. Bacteria accumulate in plaque and tartar, so as these films build up between teeth, the acids from oral bacteria eat away at dental enamel and gum tissue. Once your gum tissue is weakened and infected you’ll likely experience swollen gum tissue, bleeding, and discomfort.
What You Can Do
In order to prevent the development of gum disease, you want to keep your mouth as free from bacteria as possible. While it’s impossible to totally eliminate plaque and bacteria production, you can stay diligent about clearing away plaque on a regular basis. For most people this means brushing their teeth every morning and night, and flossing every night. It’s also important to undergo regularly schedule professional cleanings, as our dental team is able to clean off calcified tartar that patients can’t deal with on their own.
Another exceptionally straightforward thing that you can do to protect your smile is to increase your water consumption. Patients who suffer from dry mouth are at increased risks of dealing with bad breath as well as gum disease. Get into the habit of rinsing your mouth with water after you eat, and get into the habit of drinking water continuously throughout the day.
If you’re one of the many people already dealing with gum disease, our Glendale periodontal disease dentists are here to help you get your smile back on track. Please feel free to give us a call to learn more and to schedule a personal consultation!