How Do I Avoid Gum Disease?

cleveland gum disease prevention

Studies from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show that periodontal disease rates are very high for most adults, with half over 30 suffering from some stage of the disease. Without care to prevent or manage it, you could risk losing teeth! In today’s blog, your Cleveland, TX, dentist talks about how to avoid issues like periodontal disease.

The Common Causes of Periodontal Disease

Trouble starts when the gums become inflamed, which could be the result of poor brushing and flossing habits and a diet high in sugary and starchy foods and drinks, which promotes plaque buildup. Lack of cleanings to remove plaque also causes inflammation. The use of certain medications, inflammatory illnesses, smoking and tobacco use, and a family history of periodontal issues could also be a problem. As the gums become inflamed, you could experience sore, red tissues that bleed easily. As the inflammation worsens, the gums could pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets for bacteria to infiltrate, leading to the disease.

Warning Signs of Periodontal Troubles

The disease grows more severe with time. Initially, you may notice your gums feel sore, looked red, or bleed when you brush or floss. As the issue worsens, the tissue could swell and pull away from the teeth, causing your teeth to look longer. In the advanced stage, the tissues connecting your teeth and gums could become severed, leading to adult tooth loss. But what can be done to address the issue, or prevent it in the first place?

Prevention and Management

To prevent the disease, see us every six months so we can remove all plaque and tartar with a cleaning, and watch for the warning signs of trouble. If necessary, we could recommend treatments to address the issue early. While inflammation, also known as gingivitis, can be reversed, once the disease forms there is no cure. Other preventive actions include flossing every evening, brushing twice a daily, and avoiding tobacco products.

If we find you do have the presence of the disease, we could use a scaling and root planing to remove all plaque and tartar from the outside of the teeth and roots. Doing so allows healthy tissues to adhere to the teeth, and enables us to manage the issue with routine cleanings every three to four months, helping your smile stay healthy and whole. If you have any questions about our preventive treatment options, then contact our team today.

Your Cleveland, TX Dentist’s Office Talks Preventive Dental Care

Cleveland Family Dentistry in Cleveland, TX wants to help you stay healthy and avoid the onset of serious periodontal issues. To learn more about keeping gums and teeth healthy with routine care, then contact our office at (281) 592-1234 to schedule your appointment today.