Gum disease can develop slowly, but the effects can be lifelong. In fact, a large majority of people in the US have some form of gum disease. As this infection worsens you may risk damaging or losing your tooth. Additionally, the infection has the ability to spread throughout your body putting not only your oral health at risk, but also risking your overall health.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
If you are worried that you may have any of the following symptoms, call Dr. Lau at Meadowbrook Family Dental in Sacramento, California. Early intervention in gum disease can reverse gingivitis symptoms and reduce the risk of worsening periodontal disease. Common gum disease symptoms include: red, puffy gums, bleeding while brushing your teeth, pus between your teeth or gums, lose or weak teeth, and gums that recede from the tooth making your teeth appear longer.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
The best way to prevent gum disease is to develop a good oral hygiene routine. What does this mean? First, a good oral routine begins with brushing your teeth twice a day and rinse after brushing. Additionally, you should floss between your teeth at least once per day. Flossing can be the easiest part of your oral health routine to forget. However, if you fail to floss everyday, bacteria can build-up in your gums causing your gum disease to worsen. The last part of a good oral health routine is to visit Meadowbrook Family Dental in Sacramento, California as recommended by Dr. Lau and their team.
Another way you can prevent gum disease is by monitoring what you eat and drink. Sugars and starches, such as bread, can sit on your teeth and eat away your tooth’s protective layer and gums. To protect your oral health, drink water after eating sugar to rinse away harsh bacteria. Additionally, if you drink coffee or tea, enjoy them in short periods of time instead of throughout the day.
Gum disease can be a slippery slope to further infections and illnesses. Staying on top of your oral health routine is a great way to prevent gum disease. However, if you do experience red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you should call Dr. Lau at Meadowbrook Family Dental in Sacramento, California right away! Untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss, heart problems, and other diseases. For more information about gum disease or to plan your next visit to Meadowbrook Family Dental in Sacramento, California, call Dr. Lau and his team today at (916)-307-6035.