Worried about your gums? You probably should be. Nearly half of American adults have gum disease. What’s scarier is that an estimated 80% of us will deal with gum disease at some point in our lives. While gum disease itself isn’t fatal, it could be the source of complications that affect other parts of your body.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and it’s characterized by swollen, painful gums. Gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease when the infection at the gums spreads into the teeth and bone. The good news is that gum disease is preventable.
Taking good care of your teeth is our passion at Modern Age Dentistry. Ali Saeghi, DDS, leads our team in the fight against gum disease for our patients, but we need your help, too. Preventing gum disease and other oral health issues starts with brushing and flossing at least twice each day, and making your regular appointments with us. The signs of gum disease are easy to spot, but doing little things for your oral health is your first step to ensuring overall health for the rest of your life.
The habit is a tough one to break, and we know that many people turn to smoking to relieve stress. Talk with your primary care physician about effective ways to quit smoking if you have another health condition. The nicotine in cigarettes isn’t just bad for your lungs — it can put you at risk for gum disease. Nicotine weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off any infection, including one under your gums. For this reason, smoking also lengthens your healing time.
Brushing your teeth reduces your risk not only of gum disease, but also tooth decay and weakened enamel. Gum disease can weaken or loosen your teeth, and your teeth are vitally important to your survival. Flossing isn’t a habit that most people have, but it’s a habit that’s just as important as brushing. Flossing removes tiny food particles between your teeth that can’t be seen or removed with brushing or mouthwash. These are the very food particles that eventually form plaque, which in turn causes gum disease.
Remember the old adage: an apple a day keeps the doctor away? While we never want you to miss a doctor’s appointment (especially an appointment with Dr. Saeghi), eating foods like raw apples, leafy greens, green tea, and some dairy products are good for your teeth.
We often forget that too much sugar leads to cavities, especially when you’re not practicing good oral hygiene. Choose your foods wisely, and if you’re not sure how to eat for your dental health, Dr. Saeghi is a great guide.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are central to the prevention of gum disease. Skip the swelling gums, and call us to make an appointment at Modern Age Dental, or use our online scheduling tool today.
