How to beat gum disease
Let’s talk about gum disease. It’s not just what your smile looks like! Gum disease is common among adults and is this sneaky little problem that can have big impacts on your teeth. It can make your gums shrink back, get swollen and swore, and even interrupt the bones that hold your teeth in place.
Gum disease starts with this gunk called plaque that slowly builds up on your teeth. Plaque is full of bacteria, especially if you’re munching on lots of sugary treats and not brushing your teeth often enough. If you don’t do anything about it, that plaque will harden into tartar and start wreaking havoc on your gums and bones. So, what should you do to prevent it?
You can keep gum disease at bay by following some good habits:
- Brushing: Give your teeth a gentle scrub with a soft-bristled brush twice daily for about two minutes each time.
- Flossing: Get in between your teeth at least once a day to get rid of the plaque hiding there.
- Dental Check-ups: Don’t forget about those dentist appointments every six months! They’ll clean up your teeth, getting rid of plaque you might have missed.
- Watch Your Diet: Cut down on sugary snacks and soda drinks. They’re like fuel for the bacteria that causes gum issues.
Here are some facts on spotting gum disease early:
- Gums that Bleed: If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, that’s a sign something isn’t right.
- Redness and Swelling: Healthy gums are pink and firm, not red and puffy.
- Stinky Breath: Constantly dealing with nasty breath? It could be a sign of gum trouble.
- Loose Teeth: Your teeth should feel secure in your mouth, not wobbly. If they do, it’s time to see your dentist.
- Changes in Bite: Notice anything unusual about how your teeth fit together? That could be a red flag.
- Pus between Teeth: Pus means there’s an infection that needs fixing right away.
If you need some backup in the fight against gum disease, Ideal Image Dentistry is here for you.
We are committed to keeping your gums in top shape, whether it’s prevention, treatment, or just
a check-up. Give us a call to keep that smile sparkling!