Millions of adults currently have gingivitis, which is the first sign of gum disease. Unfortunately, while we make every effort to prevent gum disease, there’s a good chance you could have gingivitis right now. Even if you brush and floss your teeth regularly.
At Shorewood Family Dental Care, we can help keep you happy and healthy by taking care of your teeth. When you visit us for a professional cleaning, we can spot a potential problem and take care of it as efficiently as possible to keep your smile shining brightly.
In the meantime, learn more about gum disease and what you can do to keep your mouth healthy in between appointments. Then call our Shorewood, IL dental office to schedule your next professional teeth cleaning.
Signs & Symptoms Of Gum Disease
By now you’re probably asking yourself “do I have gum disease?”
The best way to find out is to visit our office for a dental exam and cleaning. But in the meantime, learn more about the signs and symptoms of gum disease we’ve listed for you below:
- Bleeding gums during or after brushing your teeth.
- Red, tender, or swollen gum tissue.
- Chronic bad breath or a persistent bad taste in your mouth.
- Receding gum line.
- Deep pockets between your teeth and gums.
- Loose or moving teeth.
- A change in your bite or the way your teeth or dentures fit together.
Be aware that even if you’re not experiencing any of the above symptoms, you could still have gum disease. It could affect only the teeth at the back of your mouth, making it much harder for you to notice.
How To Prevent Gum Disease
None of the symptoms listed above sound particularly pleasant, right? Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to prevent gum disease, keep your mouth healthy, and avoid experiencing those uncomfortable symptoms.
Brushing & Flossing
Perhaps the most obvious and most important way to prevent gum disease is to brush your teeth. While this is one of the leading causes of gum disease, it should be said that it’s not enough to just brush your teeth. It’s important to make sure you’re brushing your teeth properly and often enough.
You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and after meals, if necessary. Find a toothbrush with bristles that are appropriate for your specific needs and not too rough on your teeth. During your consultation at our Shorewood, IL dental office, we can recommend a toothpaste that will work best for you.
When brushing your teeth, you should pay special attention to your gumline. Plaque can build up along the gumline and people often neglect that area when brushing. Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth to make sure you’re brushing the full surface of your teeth and your gumline.
Along with brushing your teeth, it’s important to floss between your teeth at least once a day. Be sure to work the floss between each set of your teeth, all the way down to the gumline. Don’t be alarmed if you experience some bleeding while your teeth and gums get used to the floss.
Diet
What you eat can have a major effect on your health as a whole. That includes your oral health. To protect the health of your teeth and ward off gum disease, it’s important to eat a well-balanced diet.
For your teeth, that means avoiding consuming too much sugar and acid, while getting enough vitamin D, vitamin C, and calcium. Make water your go-to beverage instead of sugary fruit juices or soft drinks.
Make An Appointment With Your Shorewood, IL Dentist Today
One of the most important habits to maintain when preventing gum disease is seeing your dentist for regular checkups and dental cleanings. At Shorewood Family Dental Care, we can examine your teeth, treat any issues, and keep potential problems at bay. But we can’t help if you don’t come see us!
To schedule an appointment, call Shorewood Family Dental Care at (815) 725-5991. You can also contact us online to request an appointment. We’re here to help keep you happy and healthy!
