Gum disease, also known as Periodontal disease, is an affliction that causes red, sensitive gums and other health complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47 percent of all Americans have gum disease. This percentage is even higher in the elderly population.
Thankfully, gum disease is both preventable and treatable. However, it may take the intervention of a periodontal dentist to manage symptoms and protect your health.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Once gum disease has advanced, it can result in tooth loss and other health complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, speak to your dentist so they can set up a treatment plan:
- Persistent bad breath
- A lingering bad taste in the mouth
- Tender, red, and swollen gums
- Difficulty chewing due to loose, sensitive teeth or a painful bite
- Receding gums
- A change in your bite
- A change in the way dentures or implants fit
To prevent gum disease from advancing into its later stages, it’s important to keep on top of the signs and symptoms. The more advanced the stage of gum disease, the more difficult it is to treat. However, gum disease does telegraph its presence fairly early in what we call gingivitis.
Gingivitis Is Your Early Warning System for Gum Disease
When your gums are red, sensitive, and inflamed at the gum line, you may be experiencing gingivitis. This is your warning that bacteria is compromising the health of your gums.
Every day, an invisible film of bacteria forms on your teeth as a consequence of what you eat. It needs to be removed every day, or it will develop into tartar. If tartar is allowed to form, it will become more and more difficult to remove the bacteria from your teeth and gums. As bacteria growth accelerates, so does the damage to your gum line. If this is allowed to continue, you may begin to experience the signs and symptoms of Periodontal disease.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
As with many diseases, prevention is the most ideal intervention. Brushing your teeth and flossing every day will do most of the work. If your gums are starting to show signs of disease, however, you may need the help of a professional.
Don’t Miss Your Regular Teeth Cleaning Appointments
Even if you take good care of your teeth, tartar build up is almost inevitable. That’s where your dentist comes in. They will remove tartar buildup, so you can manage your own teeth with regular brushing. If tartar goes unchecked, even regular brushing won’t be doing as much as it should to protect your gums.
Eat a Healthy Diet to Help Your Body Regulate Bacteria
It should be no surprise to learn that your diet plays a huge role in your dental health. Eating the right foods can help remove plaque and support a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. Eating the wrong foods can foster bacteria growth and make plaque more difficult to remove on your own.
Here are some examples of healthy foods that can help you stave off gum disease:
- Fibrous fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, celery, and leafy green vegetables
- Sugarless chewing gum
- Dairy products without added sugar
- Green and black teas
- Fluoridated water and foods
Many of the best foods for your teeth promote the production of saliva in the mouth. As a result, the substances that weaken your teeth aren’t as potent. Plus, saliva restores essential minerals in your teeth, such as calcium and phosphate.
On the flip side, it’s best to avoid foods with a lot of added sugar, foods that stay in your mouth for a long time (such as suckers), starchy foods, and carbonated sodas.
We Treat and Help Prevent Gum Disease at Beyond Dentistry
Research shows a concerning link between gum disease and heart health complications. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) published a study showing that patients with Periodontal disease are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. We want to support your whole body health by preventing and treating gum disease. At Beyond Dentistry, we can treat the signs and symptoms and even restore your smile if gum disease has caused tooth loss. Call 727-205-4730 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.
