When gum disease is allowed to develop, it can become one of the greatest concerns for your immediate and long-term oral health. Despite the fact that it’s highly preventable, many people still experience gum disease development at some point in their lives. The extent to which it impacts their oral health depends on how severe the condition becomes, which is why preventing gum disease from forming in the first place is often the best way to protect your smile from it.
It might be easier than you think
One reason why people fail to prevent gum disease is because they fail to realize that there are many different factors that can contribute to it. For instance, the basic cause of gum disease is the excess buildup of oral bacteria along the gum line and underneath the tissues. Therefore, the most important preventive measure is to prevent this buildup by consistently brushing and flossing your teeth every day. This also includes visiting your dentist at least once every six months for professional cleaning, during which we can carefully remove all traces of plaque and its calcified form, tartar, to prevent oral bacteria from overwhelming your teeth and gums over time.
The reason gum disease is common
Despite the simplicity in preventing oral bacteria buildup, gum disease remains one of the most commonly occurring problems for adults’ oral health. In most cases, this isn’t due to a complete lack of hygiene and dental care, but rather small mistakes people often make without realizing the consequences. For instance, you might skip brushing your teeth just once, despite usually being diligent about your dental hygiene routine. Unfortunately, even that single time can give oral bacteria enough time to cause trouble, calcifying into tartar or working their way underneath your gums.
How to successfully prevent it
Because gum disease can sometimes start to develop without you realizing it, it’s important to be especially vigilant in keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. In addition to regularly cleaning them at home and during your regular dental checkups and cleanings, you can also lower your risks of gum disease by refraining from unhealthy habits, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, that can dramatically impact the health of your periodontal tissues. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your gums, then schedule a visit with your dentist even if it isn’t time for your routine dental checkup.
Learn how to prevent gum disease
For many people, preventing gum disease is highly possible with consistent dental hygiene and the right level of preventive dental care. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Allen & Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, today at (641) 628-1121.