Gum disease affects nearly half of adults 30 and older and can cause gum recession, tooth damage, and permanent tooth loss. It might start with redness, tenderness, or bleeding — and end with severe dental problems. That’s why gum disease prevention is so important.
To avoid gum issues, keep your mouth healthy, and help your smile shine, schedule an appointment with Winnie Nguyen, DDS, and her Ridge Commons Family Dentistry staff today.
Detecting gum disease early is one of the most effective ways to prevent complications. Signs to watch for include:
Early detection and treatment can help save your gums, jawbones, and permanent teeth.
Consider implementing the following healthy habits to reduce your chance of gum disease and its complications.
You can dramatically reduce bacteria and plaque buildup by brushing your teeth after meals, which is an excellent way to lower your risk of gum disease. If you can’t brush after every meal, brush at least twice a day.
Floss your teeth daily, especially before bed, to remove hard-to-reach tartar and plaque from between your teeth and diminish gum disease risks.
Undergo dental cleanings at least twice yearly at Ridge Commons Family Dentistry to significantly lessen your chance of gum problems. If you’ve previously been diagnosed with gum disease or have its risk factors, you might be a candidate for more frequent professional teeth cleanings.
Eating sweets and drinking sugar-sweetened drinks boost your risk of gum disease. Limit these foods and eat ample amounts of fruits, vegetables, and other whole-food options. Replace sodas and other sugary beverages with water, coffee, or tea.
Smoking or chewing tobacco is a risk factor for gum disease, so avoid tobacco products to keep your gums healthy, beautiful, and disease-free. Ask your doctor to help you quit if you struggle to break this habit.
Chewing sugarless gum after meals stimulates saliva flow through your mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva helps wash away debris, cancel acids produced by mouth bacteria, and provide disease-fighting substances.
Bacterial buildup can contribute to gum disease, but using antibacterial mouthwash, brushing your teeth after meals, and flossing daily can keep harmful mouth bacteria at bay.
Switching to an electric toothbrush versus a traditional toothbrush is often a practical way to remove disease-causing bacteria, plaque, and tartar more effectively.
If you already have gum disease, no sweat. Dr. Nguyen offers various solutions to treat gum disease and avoid worsening complications. She might suggest you take medications, undergo deep dental cleaning, or complete a dental procedure to restore gum or bone tissue.
Make gum disease risk factors a thing of the past by scheduling regular dental visits at Ridge Commons Family Dentistry. Contact us today at our McKinney, Texas, office by phone or use the online booking feature.
