Nearly half of Americans have gum disease, a chronic condition associated with plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline. Nearly 8% have the advanced form of gum disease — a stage called periodontitis, which significantly increases your risk of bone loss and tooth loss unless it’s treated aggressively.
While some medical conditions can’t be prevented with a few simple changes in habits, periodontitis can, and knowing what steps to take could help you help your gums stay healthy, strong, and disease-free for the rest of your life.
Here, Abir Faraj, DDS, and our team at Novi Family Dentistry in Novi, Michigan, review five steps you can take — starting today — to prevent gum disease and the complications it can cause.
Brushing twice daily is essential for removing plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the surfaces of your teeth and along your gumline. When plaque isn’t removed regularly, it hardens into tartar, in turn leading to inflammation and gum infection.
To get the greatest benefit from brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and take your time to ensure you brush every tooth.
Use gentle strokes rather than scrubbing — brushing too aggressively can irritate your gums and contribute to recession. You can find some simple tips from the American Dental Association.
Your toothbrush can’t reach into those tight crevices between your teeth, and that’s exactly where plaque and bacteria build up. Flossing gets rid of trapped food particles and breaks up plaque, making it easier to remove.
Flossing every day helps prevent gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Traditional floss not your thing? Try floss picks or a water flosser, instead.
Even with excellent habits at home, some plaque will still escape even the most diligent brushing and flossing routines. Once hard tartar forms, it can’t be removed with brushing or flossing alone. Instead, it needs to be addressed by a professional. That’s why regular cleaning visits are so essential.
Twice-yearly cleanings remove tartar and hard-to-reach plaque while also uncovering early signs of gum disease — signs so subtle that you probably won’t notice them on your own.
Following your cleaning, our team can help you perfect your home-care routine and offer additional guidance and treatments to keep your gums (and teeth) clean, strong, and healthy.
Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease — in fact, if you smoke, you’re at least twice as likely as a nonsmoker to develop advanced gum disease, the stage that leads to deep infections and tooth loss.
Smoking damages your gums by weakening your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infection. It also interferes with circulation, meaning your gums won’t receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.
We know it’s not easy to quit, but help and resources are just a click away at SmokeFree.gov, Mayo Clinic, CDC, and plenty of other reputable websites.
Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of developing periodontitis, and taking steps to manage those conditions can play a major role in keeping your gums and teeth healthy. For example, poorly managed diabetes leads to increases in blood sugar, which in turn feeds the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Diabetes can also affect your immune system, making it harder to fight off infection. Other medical issues that could increase your risk of gum disease include autoimmune disorders, obesity, and even chronic stress, a common problem that leads to tooth grinding and gum recession.
Advanced gum disease isn’t just bad for your smile; it could also increase your risk of other serious medical problems, like heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline. Taking steps to keep your gums healthy improves your overall health, and getting started is as simple as scheduling a dental exam and cleaning.
To learn more about gum disease prevention or to schedule your next checkup, book an appointment with our team at Novi Family Dentistry today by calling 313-646-7903 or scheduling online.
