Millions of Americans struggle with gum disease each year. Gum disease often develops with very little warning despite relatively modest attempts to prevent it. However, there are signs that may indicate a higher risk of developing gum disease, and acting upon these signs if they exist can help with long-term gum disease prevention.
The three main signs that indicate that gum disease could develop in the future are an improper or inconsistent oral care routine, poor dietary choices, and infrequent visits to the dentist for a check-up cleaning. By assessing these three indicators, you can determine if improvements need to be made or if you are doing everything possible to prevent gum disease.
Of course, the most notable reason gum disease develops is due to an improper oral care routine. This could either be due to leaving out crucial aspects of oral care such as flossing or having an inconsistent oral care schedule. Ideally, patients should brush their teeth and gums two or three times every day. They should also floss and use mouthwash as directed by the dentist to prevent plaque and tartar build-up in the hard-to-reach areas along the gumline.
Poor dietary choices can also contribute to the onset of gum disease. This is because harmful food particles can combine with bacteria and cause an acidic attack on the gums, which weaken them and eventually lead to serious concerns such as gum recession, deep gum pockets, etc.
Some foods that can be detrimental when consumed regularly and without adequate oral hygiene practice to minimize their effect include sugary foods, tomato-based dishes, bread, and other foods that are high in carbohydrates. Citrus fruits can also damage the gums as well. For beverages, coffee, tea, and soft drinks are detrimental to periodontal health, particularly when they contain high levels of sugar. Patients can help protect their gum health and prevent gum disease by drinking water throughout the day to keep bacteria and food particles washed away, along with the tips provided for improving oral care such as flossing regularly.
Dental cleanings are often neglected if the patient feels they have ideal oral health. This is problematic for several reasons. First, the purpose of dental cleaning and check-up is to prevent issues from developing, rather than treat issues such as gum disease after they develop. Secondly, many concerns can only be detected through a professional oral examination or dental X-rays, especially when concerns related to gum disease and other periodontal concerns. Patients are encouraged to receive a dental cleaning once every four to six months.
You can schedule a check-up visit with our dental practice by giving us a call or sending us a message. During your visit, we can conduct an oral examination to check for the early signs of gum disease and put together a treatment and long-term prevention plan for gum disease.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesinpa.com or call Jenny Chen Pediatric and Family Dentistry at (610) 400-1588 for an appointment in our West Grove office.
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