According to Colgate, over 75 percent of Americans over age 35 have some form of gum disease. The most common sign of gum disease is bleeding gums when you brush or floss. It doesn’t help that 60 percent of adults who were surveyed for a study did not have enough knowledge about symptoms, treatments, and the harmful effects of gum diseases. The good news is that with proper preventive care and help from a  local dentist in Greenwood, Indiana or anywhere else, you can avoid the risks of gum diseases, altogether.

Gum Disease

Oral Care Education and Diagnosis

Visiting a dentist at least twice a year is highly recommended so that you could properly look after your teeth and gums. During these visits, your dentist can give you tips, advice, and best practices to help you avoid gum diseases. A general dentist can also check dental issues before they become problems.

Your gums will be checked for any signs of periodontal disease, such as swelling, bleeding, and tenderness using different dental tools. Teeth will also be assessed for movement, sensitivity, and bite. Your dentist can also recommend full mouth X-rays to check your bone for breakdown around your teeth.

Teeth Spacing Issues

Many people have misaligned and crowded teeth. This makes brushing and flossing more difficult, which in turn increases the risks of tartar and plaque formation. The presence of tartar and plaque can lead to the development of gum disease. If you have crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth, skilled dentists in Greenwood, IN can help straighten your teeth and improve your smile, giving you a boost of confidence.

Poor Dental Habit Treatments

Poor dental habits like grinding, gritting, and clenching won’t directly cause gum disease, but it can make it worse if it is already a problem. Your gums will become more inflamed and this puts more pressure on your teeth. This speeds up the breakdown of the bone which supports your teeth and gums. A dentist can help by reducing inflammation and bleeding in the gums with non-invasive dental lasers.

Gum diseases can be easily averted through good oral health hygiene and expert help from a skilled dentist from dental practices like Gillum Dentistry. Visit your dentist and check out other options for treatments.

Sources:

Periodontal Disease: Causes And Prevention, Colgate

Fighting Gum Disease: How To Keep Your Teeth, Colgate

Preventing Periodontal Disease, American Academy of Periodontology