Even if you practice good oral hygiene, which
includes brushing your teeth twice and flossing once each day, seeing your dentist regularly and eating a good diet that is loaded with fruits and
vegetables, you may still be susceptible to gum disease. Unfortunately, gum disease
affects anyone, even those who have healthy oral health habits.
Web MD explains that gingivitis is the
earliest form of gum disease and affects three out of four Americans with twenty
percent of the population worldwide developing the more serious periodontal
disease.
Although it is often easy to miss the early
signs of gum disease, as little as 10 percent of adults who suffer actually are
aware that they have it, there are some things to look for when it comes to gum
disease. If your gums bleed after you brush or floss, are puffy or red, you may
have the early signs of gingivitis. Pain is not usually associated with
gingivitis, which could be why so many often overlook the signs.
Gingivitis is most commonly caused by poor
oral hygiene or improper oral hygiene techniques. People whom don’t brush every
day will have left over food particles that will lead to bacteria build up.
This will lead to plaque. Plaque is that thick film that will eventually lead
to tartar, which can only be removed by your dentist with a deep cleaning, also
known as scaling, and root planing.
Gingivitis can be prevented if you follow
solid tooth brushing and flossing techniques. If you are not sure that you are
brushing your teeth correctly, schedule an appointment with your dentist who
will be able to show you how to brush properly. By following proper tooth
brushing and flossing techniques you can reverse the early stages of gum
disease.
The most important step when it comes to
treating gum disease and gingivitis is to stop ignoring the symptoms. Although
a little bit of blood on your toothbrush may seem like nothing it is imperative
that you schedule an appointment with your dentist as quickly as possible. During
your appointment, your dentist may recommend that you improve your home oral habits,
which may include adding an FDA antiseptic mouthwash to your daily routine.
Don’t wait until it
is too late. Schedule an appointment with your dentist who can check for gum
disease.
