Gum Disease is a preventable disease and happens to be the #1 reason people lose their teeth. Almost half of US citizens 30 years and older have gum disease. Of those people who are 65+ years old, 75% have gum disease.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, you can reverse the affects by properly caring for your teeth – brushing, flossing, rinsing and seeing your holistic dentist at least twice a year.
Things to look for that could signal you have gum disease:
- Your gums are red, swollen, bleed when you brush
- Bad Breath that won't go away.
Risk factors for gum disease include:
- Metal braces, which can create a challenge as food lodges in between the brackets or appliance, generally not completely removed by brushing.
- Smoking increases your chances of gum disease, not a healthy habit.
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes in women often increase gum sensitivity and the possibility for gum disease.
- Diabetes, which is a preventable disease, also increases the risk of infections as well as gum disease.
- Other diseases like cancer and AIDS can increase the risk of gum disease as well as the treatments for the disease.
- According to your genetics, you may be more susceptible to gum disease.
- Medications that slow down saliva, inadvertently leave your mouth vulnerable to gum disease.
We want to catch this at its early stage of gingivitis where it can usually be reversed by your daily care and seeing your holistic dentist every 6 months or sooner in order to prevent bone loss. If it extends to periodontal disease then there is more work to be done. Gum Disease can wreak havoc on your smile, your teeth may look longer as your gums recede, and your bite may change as your teeth begin to move.
Practicing good overall preventive care can do your body good:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss your teeth daily
- Use our herbal mouth rinse daily
- See your holistic dentist twice a year or more frequently to keep gum disease under control or away completely.
We have a periodontist here at our office who is more than happy to work with you to achieve the ultimate goal of great oral health which affects your overall health and well-being. Regular visits to your holistic dentist and proper oral care at home is the best way to prevent gum disease.
We can do this together!