4 Ways to Lower Your Risk for Gum Disease

Despite the name, gum disease doesn’t affect just your gums. Untreated gum disease can affect your jaw bone and lead to tooth loss. The good news is that gum disease can be treated here at Lone Star Dental Care in Frisco, Texas. 

Dr. Afshin Vahadi and Dr. Vafa Mirshams created this guide to help you reduce your risk of gum disease and explain what we can do if you already spot the signs of gum disease.

1. Floss daily

Flossing is one of your best defenses against gum disease. That’s because floss reaches where your toothbrush can’t. When you floss, you remove plaque and debris between your teeth and along your gumline. Without flossing, plaque can irritate your delicate gum tissue and increase your risk of gum disease.

Aim to floss once per day, either in the morning or at night. 

2. Stay consistent with regular dental cleanings

During a dental cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed, which helps to improve your gum health. Not only that, but dental cleanings also allow Dr. Vahadi and Dr. Mirshams to spot the earliest sign of gum disease: gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed easily with the right care, which can help you avoid the progression of gingivitis to more advanced gum disease, periodontitis. 

3. Quit smoking

Believe it or not, smoking cigarettes can increase your risk of developing gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease in the United States. Smoking doesn’t just impact your gums, though. Smoking increases your risk of other oral problems, including oral cancer.

4. Revisit your brushing routine

Although brushing is often associated with reduced tooth decay, proper brushing also helps keep your gums healthy. If your oral hygiene routine needs freshening, keep these tips in mind:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for a full two minutes each time.
• Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle (this helps brush along your gumline more efficiently).
• Use a toothpaste with fluoride (look for the American Dental Association Seal on your toothpaste).

Consider following your brushing with a therapeutic mouthwash. Some mouthwashes are designed to eliminate gum disease-causing bacteria. If you’re not sure if you need mouthwash (or which type is best for you), don’t hesitate to ask during your dental exam. Prescription mouthwashes can also help treat gum disease and gingivitis.  

Learn to spot the signs of early gum disease

Gum disease, like many diseases, is easier to treat during the early stages. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, and you might only notice bleeding gums when you brush your teeth. Common symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Red, inflamed gums
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Sensitive teeth
• Pockets that form along your gums (i.e., your gums pull away from your teeth)
• Receding gum lines
• Loose teeth (advanced stages)

Here at Lone Star Dental Care, we offer a variety of options for treating and preventing the progression of gum disease. Whether you need root planing and scaling, laser treatments, or PerioProtect®, we can help you reduce gum inflammation and restore healthy gums.

To learn more about preventing gum disease, or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 972-325-7044. You can also request an appointment online.