If you want to keep your teeth, you need to know how to fight gum disease. According to some studies, almost three-quarters of adults over the age of 35 in the U.S. have some form of gum disease. This is not an encouraging statistic. In its initial stages, this condition can cause your gums to bleed easily and swell. As the condition worsens, you might start losing your teeth. Therefore, you need to take good care of your gums.

Your mouth is an extremely busy place. Try to picture millions of bacteria constantly moving around in your mouth, and you will get the idea. While some are harmless, others attack your gums and teeth. It is important to fight harmful bacteria that come in a sticky, colorless film known as plaque to prevent gum disease.

Unless you do this, plaque on your teeth will continue building up and end up irritating your gums. This will cause bleeding, and, if left unaddressed, it will start destroying connective tissues and bones in your mouth. Often, teeth become loose, which may force your dentist to remove them.

Ways to Fight Gum Disease

For a healthier and more beautiful smile, you need to know how to kick gum disease to the curb. The best way to fight this condition is through good oral hygiene. Additional medical and dental treatments may be necessary, as well. Prompt treatment usually reverses the symptoms of gum disease and prevents its progression to tooth loss. Other ways to fight it include:

Getting Regular Professional Teeth Cleanings

Seeing a dentist or dental hygienist for regular cleanings is one of the best ways to fight gum disease. Such professionals know how to thoroughly clean teeth to get rid of harmful bacteria and plaque. They also use a wide range of dental instruments and devices that are not available in a regular home.

Quit Smoking

One of the biggest risk factors for gum disease is smoking. You simply need to quit smoking to improve your chances of preventing gum disease and to keep your mouth healthy. According to the CDC, smoking weakens the body’s immune system. This makes it more difficult to fight many infections, including gum infections.

Brush and Floss Your Teeth Often

Simply brushing and flossing your teeth at home is a good way to fight or reverse gum disease. According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day. It is also important to floss every day. You need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every three months or so. If your toothbrush’s bristles tend to fray too often, then you may be using too much pressure while brushing.

Reduce Your Refined Carbs and Sugar Intake

You need to avoid consuming sugary drinks and foods, sticky treats like candies, and refined carbs to prevent gum disease. Such foods tend to stick to the teeth, and the sugar contained in them leads to the buildup of plaque. Instead of grabbing a soda when you feel thirsty, choose water instead. Also, go for high fiber foods such as dried beans, fruits, whole grains, veggies, seeds, and nuts for your source of carbs.

Severe gum disease can lead to loose teeth, gum recession, painful gums, and tooth loss. Treatment may be very expensive and require surgery. Therefore, it is important to fight the disease before it becomes a big problem.

To learn more about Gum Disease, call Dr. Sam’s Premier Dentistry in Sherman, Texas at 903-708-6400 today.