We’re talked about keeping your smile free of cavities at home, but did you know that you can also safeguard your gums against issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease as well? In today’s blog, your Tucson, AZ, dentist talks about how a few simple changes to your daily routine could help protect your smile from periodontal issues.
The Causes of Gum Inflammation
What causes our gums to become inflamed in the first place? A number of factors could lead to the gingival inflammation behind periodontal disease, such as the use of certain medications, inflammatory illnesses, cigarette and tobacco use, or a family history of poor periodontal health. However, the most common factor is a poor oral hygiene routine. When you don’t brush and floss properly, and you eat a diet high in sugar and other items that feed bacteria, this could cause plaque buildups to accumulate on the teeth and inflame gum tissues. Over time, the inflammation cause gums to feel sore, look red, bleed easily and pull away from the teeth to form pockets. Bacteria entering these pockets causes periodontal disease.
Avoiding Gum Disease
To limit your risk, we suggest you start each morning by brushing your teeth for two minutes using a soft bristled-toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. In the evening, do this again but also floss in between each tooth too. When you floss, try to dip below the gum line to remove any and all lodged food particles, which helps reduce the severity of plaque buildup and prevent inflammation. We also suggest avoiding tobacco products, and eating a healthier diet to deprive harmful bacteria an easy meal. These actions can help strengthen and protect your smile until we can see you again for preventive cleanings!
When to See Our Team
In the meantime, if you encounter a dental emergency, such as a chipped or cracked tooth, or severe pain in one or more of your teeth, then please let us know. We’re currently offering emergency treatment for members of our community, to ensure you don’t continue to live with pain or risk losing a tooth. When our doors can open again, we’ll also be offering general and preventive treatments to help maintain optimal oral health and avoid the onset of common issues, from tooth decay to periodontal disease. If you have any questions about our approach to emergency dentistry, or about keeping gum disease at bay, then contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Preventing Gum Disease?
At our Tucson, AZ, dentist’s office, we understand how routine care helps protect your smile from serious issues, ranging from tooth decay to gum disease! If you have questions about safeguarding your periodontal health, contact us today to schedule a visit by calling our office at 520-296-5439.