6 Ways to Overcome Gum Diseases

by | Aug 4, 2016 | Uncategorized

 

gum diseaseGum disease usually starts in areas of your mouth that you’re not properly brushing or keeping clean. Due to not observing good hygiene, a fine film of bacteria builds up on your teeth, causing inflammation in your gums. One of the first symptoms to appear is the swelling of gums. If you continue to ignore this, a series of symptoms can be noticed which mainly include bleeding while brushing, whiteness in the gums, a receding gum line, mouth sores and constant bad breath. Gum problems or more commonly Gingivitis can get worse if left untreated, and can even lead to tooth loss.

If the infection or inflammation penetrates the tissues supporting your teeth, the destructive process begins which will eventually lead to tooth deterioration. However, there are steps you can take to manage gum disease.

Brushing and Flossing

When people notice bleeding while brushing, they tend to brush too gently or stop brushing altogether, which is definitely not the solution. Even if you notice any sign of gum disease and it does not appear to be severe, continue brushing thoroughly as this eliminates plaque buildup.

Flossing is also important because it removes plaque that sits between the teeth and under the gumline, two places your toothbrush cannot reach properly.

Some dentists also recommend electric toothbrushes which are, in fact, quite effective at  getting rid of plaque. Electronic brushes with bi-directional rotating heads are  are the best ones to keep plaque buildup at bay.  By cleaning your mouth thoroughly you can effectively counter gum disease.

Eat Nutritious Food

Add nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, dairy and lean meats to your diet for healthy gums. A balanced protein-rich diet coupled with, low-fat dairy products, vitamins, minerals and whole grains boost overall health, particularly oral health. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet all year round primes your gums better to fighting oral diseases.

Pick the Right Toothpaste

Fluoride is a natural mineral that provides protection against tooth decay. Rather than choosing whitening toothpastes, pick fluoride-rich ones.  Fluoride-based toothpastes are not only great for overcoming symptoms of gum disease, but also prevent them from resurfacing.

Scaling

At times, gum diseases progress to a more advanced stage, in which case, scaling is the only remedy. Consult a trained dental professional like Dr. Dana D. Keith at ICC smiles. Scaling involves complete cleaning around all the affected areas, from the gum base to the pocket of the tooth in order to clean harmful bacteria from the most stubborn places.

Further Treatment

If you have reached a stage where scaling is proving ineffective , your dentist might recommend periodontal surgery, particularly when badly infected teeth need to be removed.

Visit your Dentist Regularly

They say prevention is better than any cure. Pay timely visits to your dentist, at least twice a year, to avoid even minor gum disease symptoms from getting worse. A trained dental professional can easily detect early signs of gum disease and administer the right treatment, before it leads to further dental and oral complications.

At ICC Smiles, we provide our patients with an enticing dental experience which often exceeds their highest expectations. Give us a call at (301) 236-9000 to schedule your appointment now.

 

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Our number one priority at Dana Keith DDS is you, the patient. Serving people across Silver Spring and Clovery, MD, as well as the surrounding areas, we are committed to providing the proper resources and services to help you maximize your oral health and overall wellness. From teeth whitening, to TMJ treatment, gum disease treatment, we are proud to offer first-rate services while educating our patients to make informed decisions about their health. 
Our blog serves as one resource where patients can learn more about different dental topics. We hope you find the articles and information helpful.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 301-236-9000.

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