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How Does Gum Disease Develop, and How Can I Prevent It?

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Gum disease is a serious oral condition that means infections and inflammation in the tissues around your teeth. Without intervention from your dentist near Grange, you may experience tooth loss and even systemic health complications relating to multiple body systems, including the heart.

Fortunately, your dentist can treat gum disease and lessen your risks of severe complications.

How Gum Disease Develops

Gum disease typically starts as gingivitis, a condition that your dentist can generally cure. Causes of gum disease or habits that may contribute to it include:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Lack of dental care
  • Smoking or tobacco use

There may be a hereditary factor as well.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease prevention starts with preventive dentistry. This means one or two dental checkups per year with teeth cleanings. During your exam, your dentist can spot early gum disease or gingivitis before it poses a threat to your oral health.

Your regular teeth cleanings rid your teeth and gums of plaque and other things that may cause decay and lead to conditions like gingivitis and gum disease.

For your part, you should be brushing and flossing regularly—brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss at least once. If you can brush and floss after every meal, all the better.

Additionally, it’s crucial to report oral health changes to your dentist, especially sensitive teeth, sores that won’t heal, or teeth that feel loose or mobile.

Signs of Gum Disease

You do not have to have all the symptoms to be diagnosed with this condition. However, be on the lookout for:

  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding gums
  • Red gums
  • Loose teeth
  • Elongated teeth
  • Gum pocketing

The sooner you seek a diagnosis and treatment, the better.

For Gum Disease Treatment in Alderley, We Welcome Your Call

We offer gentle and compassionate gum disease treatment in our no-judgmental dental clinic. We invite you to contact us to arrange a dental visit.