When gum disease forms, there is no cure. Instead, routine care is crucial for managing the disease to prevent tooth loss and complications for your overall health. But what can our Brighton, MA, residents do to avoid gum disease completely? In today’s blog, we’re going to cover the routine care needed to safeguard your gums and overall oral health!
What Causes Gum Disease?
The problem first begins when your gums become inflamed, causing gingivitis. At this stage, treatment could reverse the problem. But should gingivitis remain untreated, the gums could begin to pull away from the teeth and form deep periodontal pockets. When bacteria enter these pockets, gum disease develops. The causes of gingivitis vary, but often include poor oral hygiene. When we don’t brush and floss as we should, and when we consume foods and drinks high in sugar, this leaves particles behind on and between our teeth. As bacteria consume these particles, our teeth become coated in plaque, which inflames the gum tissue. Soon, you may begin to develop sore, red gums that bleed easily, common warning signs of gingivitis and the early stages of periodontal disease.
Checkups and Cleanings
To avoid the disease, make sure you see us every six months for an exam and cleaning. During your checkup, our team will carefully examine the gum tissue for signs of trouble. The cleaning portion allows us to remove all plaque from the surface of the teeth manually and with an ultrasonic scaling device. Afterward, we polish the teeth. You leave with a healthier, brighter smile! Now, if you have high risk factors for periodontal problems, you may benefit from a cleaning every three to four months.
Brushing and Flossing
While only a professional cleaning can remove plaque, routine homecare can help limit how much can accumulate in between office visits. You should brush your teeth when you wake up and again before bed, each time using a tooth brush with soft bristles and a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Be sure you reach every available tooth surface; the session should last no fewer than two minutes. Even more vital, you need to floss in between each tooth before bed, moving the floss up and down the length of each side of your teeth, dipping below the gum line briefly in a “c” motion.
Do You Have Sore Gums?
At Brighton Family Dental Group, our team can help you enjoy a healthy smile and avoid the onset of periodontal disease. You can schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Villani or Dr. Kondrat by reaching out to our office at (617) 562-5210. We are proud to offer a range of dental services to patients from Brookline, Newton, and all neighboring communities.
