How to Keep your Gums Healthy
Gum disease is one of the main reasons why adults lose their teeth. According to the research almost 10% of adults is affected by gum disease by the time they reach age 64. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums and if not treated it can lead to advanced periodontitis that affects the bone that supports the teeth. Luckily, the good news is that gum disease can almost always be fully treated and easily prevented. RCDG – dentist in downtown Vancouver recommends you maintain proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups & cleanings to prevent gum disease.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum Disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque that constantly builds up on the surface of your teeth. If you do not remove the plaque by daily brushing and flossing, the plaque hardens into tartar – ideal environment for the bacteria which can eventually infect gum tissue and bone that supports the teeth. If that happens, your teeth may become loose or fall out. Tartar can only be removed by a dental hygienist or dentist.
3 Stages of Gum Disease
- Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. This stage is characterized by bleeding gums during brushing and flossing. If treated at this stage, gum disease can be reversed since the bone tissue is not affected yet. In addition it can be sometimes revered just by proper brushing and flossing.
- Mild Periodontitis is characterized by bleeding around teeth and increased inflammation. Gums might start to pull away from the teeth and pockets might start being formed under the gum line. If caught at this stage, mild periodontitis can still be well treated with professional dental care and improved home oral hygiene.
- Advanced Periodontitis is the final and the most critical stage of gum disease. Gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth are damaged. Your teeth might become loose, start shifting or even falling out. If periodontal treatment does not restore bone support, the teeth will have to be removed by your dentist.
What are Gum Disease Symptoms?
- swollen, red or tender gums
- bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
- gums that pulled away from the teeth
- bad lasting breath
- pain while chewing
- sensitive and/or loose teeth
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Your downtown Vancouver dentist recommends you take the following steps to prevent gum disease:
Brush your teeth, gums and tongue at least twice a day
Proper brushing is a key to healthy gums! You should brush your teeth every morning and evening for at least 2 minutes. If you ate anything acidic, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Do not forget to brush your tongue to get rid of bacteria that live on its surface. Here is a step-by-step guide how to properly brush & floss prepared by Canadian Dental Association
Clean between your Teeth
Interdental brush can reach in between the teeth where the regular brush cannot and help you remove food and plaque that builds up there. You should floss your teeth at least once a day.
Rinse your Mouth with Mouthwash
After brushing and flossing your teeth, rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash. That will help you get rid of loose bacteria and add extra protection to your teeth.
Visits a dentist and/or dental hygienist at least twice a year
You should visit your Vancouver dentist and Vancouver dental hygienist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and dental cleanings.
