by Robert Rapisarda
Dr. Robert Rapisarda has established himself as one of the leading dentists in the Barre, MA area. He offers the latest in advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry to improve dental health and wellness.
Periodontal health is just as important as the health of your teeth. Let’s consider gum disease right now and what can be done to prevent it.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease is the infection of the gum tissue. It’s caused by the oral bacteria that naturally occurs in people’s mouths. There are three different stages of gum disease. In order from least severe to most severe, they are as follows:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Advanced periodontitis
Early symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, sore gums, swollen gums, and discolored gums. If left untreated and allowed to progress, gum disease can lead to gum recession, tooth misalignment, loose teeth, tooth loss, and the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.
The following tips are simple, easy, and can help prevent a serious issue with gum disease.
Tip #1 : Brush Your Teeth At Least Twice a Day
In order to remove food particles and plaque and have the healthiest teeth possible, it’s crucial that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. Ideally, it’s a good idea to brush your teeth after every meal.
Tip #2: Floss Your Teeth at Least Once a Night
Flossing is something that’s crucial for healthy smiles and yet people tend to not floss enough. Floss gets at the nooks and crannies of the mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach. You should be flossing your teeth at least once a night. Ideally, consider flossing after every meal.
Tip #3: Avoid the Use of Tobacco Products
Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco can all increase your likelihood of developing gum disease. These tobacco products also boost chances of gum recession, not to mention other severe health issues related to oral cancer, lung cancer, and heart disease. This is just another good reason to kick the habit.
Tip #4: Drink Water to Stay Well Hydrated
Water helps remove food particles from your mouth and allows your teeth and gums to be moist and well-hydrated. Since dry mouth can contribute to the severity of a case of dry mouth, drinking water is a great and simple thing you can do for a healthy smile.
Tip #5: Use an Antimicrobial/Antibacterial Mouthwash
Since oral bacteria causes gum disease as well as tooth decay, it’s not a bad idea to consider using an antibacterial or antimicrobial mouthwash to help improve your overall dental health and wellness. Try to find a mouthwash that is alcohol-free in order to prevent dry mouth.
Tip #6: Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Even though you only need to visit your dentist twice a year, it can make a major difference where your dental health is concerned. If you haven’t seen the dentist in more than six months, you should schedule a consultation for the near future.
Learn More About Preventing Gum Disease
If you would like to learn more about treating and preventing gum disease, we encourage you to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Robert Rapisarda and the entire team here looks forward to your visit and helping you have the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible.