When people think about dental health, they typically think about the health of their teeth. But did you know that taking care of your gums is just as important? That’s right. Even if your smile is 100% cavity-free, it does not mean that you are immune to periodontal disease.
What You Need to Know About Gum Disease
Sometimes referred to as a periodontal disease, gum disease is a condition that starts when plaque builds up along your gum line. And without proper treatment such as professional dental cleanings, the condition can worsen to negatively impact the health of your jaw bone. Why is this of concern? Because without proper support in your jaw, your teeth will not be able to be held in place. That means they’ll loosen and be lost over time. After that, dental treatment such as dental implants or dentures will need to be used to restore full functionality of your mouth. Instead of this outcome, start using the tips provided below to stay ahead of gum disease and expensive tooth replacement procedures.
Each Tip is Important, But Combined They Are Powerful in Preventative Dental Concerns
Dental associations report that gum disease is first noticed by patients when they experience bad breath or gums that are swollen and easily bleed. And although a visit to a dentist near you in Etobicoke is the only true way to diagnose gum disease, following are the six ways you can help keep the condition at bay in between dental visits:
- Floss once every day
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Get regular professional dental cleanings
- If you smoke, stop
- Use fluoride toothpaste when brushing
- Rinse your mouth with a therapeutic mouthwash instead of water after brushing
Early Detection is Your Best Friend
If you leave gum disease untreated, it can lead to problems in other areas of your health, such as cardiovascular disease. Instead of running a risk of advanced periodontal disease or other health conditions, you can catch these problems early through the practice of regular dental exams and professional dental cleanings from a family dentist near you in Etobicoke like Emiles Dental Care.