Why Gum Disease Is More Common (and More Preventable) Than You Think

Gum disease is a common issue. It affects millions of adults around the country, and many of them don’t even realize that they are struggling with it. The early stages of gum disease are not always easy to spot, and that allows the problem to get worse. So what can you do if you’re worried about gum disease?

As serious as advanced gum infections are, they are easier to prevent than you may think. Learn more about this condition and what you can do to protect yourself from developing it. 

What Gum Disease Actually Is

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. The earliest stage is gingivitis, which can cause your gums to look redder than normal and more swollen. They may bleed more easily than usual when you brush your teeth. Gingivitis results from a buildup of plaque and tartar on the gums. 

If the problem isn’t treated, it can progress into periodontitis. This causes your gums to start pulling away from your teeth, forming gaps that can easily house bacteria and cause further infections. Your teeth can start loosening, and you may even have bone and tissue damage. Chewing could become painful as well. 

Periodontitis will cause damage to your jawbone if it’s not addressed. This can impact all of your teeth as well as your overall health levels. 

Why It’s More Common Than You Think

Gum disease is often the result of plaque that doesn’t get removed and eventually becomes tartar. This eats away at your tooth enamel, allowing bacteria to affect your gums.

People who smoke or have diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Hormonal changes can also impact your risk levels, as can high-stress levels and genetics. 

Because it can begin so subtly, people often don’t realize that they may have developed gum disease. It’s common for people to notice that their gums are bleeding more than normal after brushing or flossing, but they may chalk it up to brushing too hard. 

The Serious Impact of Untreated Gum Disease

Without receiving gum infection treatment, you may start noticing that your teeth are looser. Over time, they can begin to fall out, especially if you have significant jawbone loss as a result of the infection. 

These infections don’t just affect your oral health. They have been linked to systemic issues, like the development of heart disease. This is the result of the inflammation that gum disease can cause. It puts a strain on your organs. If you’re diabetic, it could result in poor management of blood sugar levels. 

How You Can Prevent It

Fortunately, there are highly effective ways of preventing gum disease. One of the most important ways is to brush and floss your teeth. 

Brushing every day helps to remove plaque. Plaque is highly harmful to tooth enamel, so brushing your teeth at least twice a day makes it easier to prevent it from hardening into tartar. Once that hardening occurs, you will need assistance from a dentist to remove it. 

Flossing is also vital. You should do this once a day to remove food particles from between your teeth and other areas that your toothbrush doesn’t reach. 

To ensure that you are addressing plaque and tartar buildup, schedule regular appointments with your dentist. With regular cleanings, you can prevent the wearing down of your tooth enamel.

It can also be helpful to try antimicrobial rinses. If you can’t brush your teeth after every meal, using these rinses can help remove bacteria. Your dentist may also recommend water flossers, since they can be more effective at removing food particles. 

It’s important to be aware of just how much your oral health impacts your overall well-being. By putting a strong focus on this and being aware of the signs that warn you of potential gum disease, you can quickly spot issues before they get worse. 

Prevention Starts With Awareness

It’s easy to miss signs that you may be developing gum disease. By being consistent with maintaining your overall oral health, you can prevent the problem from starting in the first place. 

If you notice bleeding gums or any other signs of early gum disease, it may be time to contact your dentist for help. At Farless Dental Group, you can get access to the best dentist in Greensboro, NC, who is ready to assist you in tackling this problem. From restorative to general dentistry, we offer the guidance you need. Book a visit with a dedicated and experienced dentist in Greensboro by calling the team at Farless Dental Group.