Everyone can agree that they want to keep their teeth for as long as possible. Although there are certainly great replacement options such as dental implants, there’s nothing quite like your own teeth. Not to mention that they don’t cost you a thing! But when most people think about the best way to take care of their teeth, they only think about preventing cavities. It’s true that preventing tooth decay is important, but the real leading cause of tooth loss might surprise you: gum disease in Ormond Beach. Keep reading to learn about what causes gum disease and how to improve your gum health – so you can hang on to your teeth for life!
What Causes Gum Disease?
In order to prevent gum disease, it’s important to know what causes it. Here are some of the most common factors:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Heredity
- Smoking
- Diabetes
While some of these factors are out of your control, something that you do have control over is how you care for your teeth.
What Can You Do For Healthy Gums?
One of the most important steps you can take for healthy gums is to schedule regular checkups with a dentist in Ormond Beach. Since you can’t remove the hard deposits of tartar that contribute to gum disease at home, professional cleanings are crucial.
In addition, your gums will be evaluated at your checkups so that any potential problems can be diagnosed as early as possible.
As for hygiene, here are some tips for keeping your gums clean and healthy at home:
- Brush at least twice a day for two minutes. Electric toothbrushes provide 6,000-30,000 brush strokes per minute, which is much better than you can do with a manual.
- Aim to floss once per day. Bedtime is ideal but if it isn’t realistic for you, you can try flossing right after lunch or dinner each day.
- Stop smoking
- Work with your medical doctor to manage your diabetes
What Treatments Are Available For Managing Gum Disease?
Although gum disease can’t be cured, there are effective treatments that can manage it. For example, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing), which will remove tartar and bacteria under the gumline and on the root surfaces of the teeth.
Also, antibiotic gel can be placed under the gums to target the deep pockets where bacteria are active. Usually done after a deep cleaning, this medication is a great additional step that can dramatically improve your gum health.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Although the consequences of untreated gum disease can be serious, great hygiene at home and regular professional care will help you have a great smile for life!
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Nawrocki is a dentist in Ormond Beach who has pursued advanced training in prosthodontics and implant dentistry. Although he provides outstanding replacement options for patients who have lost their teeth, his primary goal is to help them prevent tooth loss from the start by improving their gum health. If you have any questions, he can be reached via his website or at (386) 677-1046.