We all know that oral health begins by caring for your teeth and gums at home — neglecting regular teeth brushing and flossing leads to plaque buildup on the teeth and gum inflammation. Over time, these problems can lead to infection, tooth decay, and gum disease. Our orthodontist near Chapel Hill explains more here.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease happens in stages, starting with gingivitis or gum inflammation and redness. Gingivitis causes gum soreness and bleeding, but it is reversible with a dental cleaning and diligent at-home oral hygiene. If gingivitis isn’t taken care of, it will progress to periodontal disease, an advanced stage of gum disease that causes gum recession, severe gum inflammation, infection, and even tooth loss.
Preventive Measures
To help avoid gum disease, brushing and flossing are essential. Preventive measures include:
- Use a mouth rinse to reduce plaque and other bacteria further.
- Use fluoridated toothpaste and brush for two to three minutes at least twice a day.
- Floss daily to remove plaque.
- Avoid sugary foods — they increase plaque and feed harmful bacteria.
- Avoid cigarettes and dip, which contribute to gum disease and oral cancer.
- Certain medications can aggravate gum disease, including oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and heart medicines. Let our doctor know if you are taking any of these medications.
- Always schedule regular checkups — this is the only way to detect early symptoms of periodontal disease.
- Fix bad fillings, straighten crowded teeth, and address teeth-grinding for your best oral health.
Other Considerations
It’s important to note that while taking the preventive measures above will help you avoid gum disease and tooth decay, some people have genetic factors that will eventually lead to these problems regardless of their regimen. If you have extensive dental issues in your family, it’s even more essential to visit our doctor for regular exams! We even offer virtual at-home care! Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Contact Our Orthodontist near Chapel Hill To Learn More Today!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about retainers and other topics related to orthodontic treatment, feel free to contact Wilson Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office near Chapel Hill by calling 919.371.0384.