Gum disease can be as mild as gingivitis or as serious as periodontitis. Either way, gum disease is not a matter you should sleep on. Almost half of adults over the age of 30 have had some form of gum disease, making it one of the more serious oral health issues to deal with. A lot of our patients ask us, “How do I get gum disease if I brush and floss every day?”
How Do I Get Gum Disease?
There are several common and uncommon causes of this disease that you should be aware of. Our Beverly Hills periodontist highlights these causes as well as available treatment options that you should be seeking ASAP.
Tobacco
If you have a habit of smoking, you might want to schedule an appointment with your dental professional to assess the state of your teeth. Chewing tobacco is also a dangerous habit as this product can cause cancer or infection in the gums. You should think about quitting for many reasons; make oral health one of them.
Prescription Medications
Certain medications that affect the amount of saliva you produce may have an impact on your likelihood of getting this disease. If you are taking medications that have side effects of dry mouth and dehydration, you should speak with your doctor about ways to prevent the spread of infection.
Plaque and Tartar
Perhaps the most common cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which results from poor oral health. Without a good oral hygiene routine, your teeth are susceptible to the bacteria leftover from food particles that you eat. Over time, this bacteria forms a hard film on the surface of your teeth called plaque, This plaque can eventually reach the gums and cause an infection. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush it away or schedule a professional cleaning to have it scraped off.
Family History
Unfortunately, gum disease can be hereditary. Apart from outside influences, gum disease may just be in your genes. You might be at a higher risk than others because of this, which is why it is very important that you stick to a good oral health routine every day.
Misaligned Teeth
Crooked teeth are not always a hazard, but sometimes this can cause your teeth to overlap. This makes them squished and cramped in your mouth, creating small cavities and crannies for bacteria to slip through. This could increase the likelihood of this disease if you are not careful about your oral health care.
How to Avoid Gum Disease
There are many ways you can keep your gums healthy to lower your risk of gum disease. In its early stages, gum disease is known as gingivitis; in the later stage, it will advance to periodontitis.
Here’s what you can do to keep gum disease at bay:
- Use a fluoride-based toothpaste for extra strength against plaque
- Stop smoking and reduce the amount of tobacco and alcohol you consume
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once
- Use a dentist-approved mouthwash in tandem with your brushing routine
- Visit your dentist for regular cleanings twice a year
In most cases, prevention is the best treatment. You can prevent this disease by staying vigilant about your healthcare routine.
Treat Gum Problems ASAP!
Visit the office of Dr. Justin Raanan when you need urgent treatment for gum disease in Beverly Hills. Whether you are experiencing mild or advanced symptoms of the disease, our experts can help you diagnose the cause and come up with a treatment plan that works best for you.
In most cases, this disease is reversible and the symptoms can be treated. Give us a call today to schedule a preventative health appointment!