According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults! And if you’re a man over the age of 65, your chances of developing gum disease are even higher. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent gum disease from occurring.

Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs when bacteria from plaque starts to build up around the gum line, irritating the gum tissue. As the disease progresses, the roots of the teeth become less stable and more likely to fall out.

Gum Disease Prevention

The first stages of gum disease can cause swollen, red, irritated, and tender gum tissue. You may also notice blood from the gums when brushing and flossing your teeth. If you ignore these signs, gingivitis may progress into periodontitis, which is when bone loss occurs. This is why it’s so important to schedule an appointment at our office at the first sign of gum disease!

Preventing Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease is quite simple. Below are a few ways to make sure you avoid developing gum disease:

  • Brush & Floss – Brushing and flossing every day will rid your teeth of the plaque buildup that causes gum disease. Make sure you brush your teeth and gums at least twice daily for two minutes at a time with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day.
  • Visit the Dentist – Visiting your general dentist every six months will not only help to prevent gum disease but can also catch it in the early stages when it’s simpler to treat.  
  • Quit Tobacco – Lastly, smoking or chewing tobacco has been shown to drastically increase the risk of gum disease. We recommend the immediate disuse of these products.

If you’re showing any of the signs of gum disease, please contact Highlands Ranch Periodontics here in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. We also see patients from the surrounding areas such as Wolhurst, Southglenn, Centennial, Lone Tree, and Columbine, Colorado.

Image Credit: © Dreamstime.com

Categories: Periodontics