A recent study has shown that at least one in five Australians suffers from gum disease. This translates to about 20,5% of adults and 22% of children aged between 5 and 14 that experience gum disease in varying degrees.
These statistics are among the top reasons why family focused dental practices place significant emphasis on getting everyone in the family to take better care of their gums. How serious is gum disease prevention in your family?
What is Gum Disease?
and teeth. Gum disease typically has three stages which are listed:
- Gingivitis: This is gum disease at its mildest form and presents as irritation, redness, and general swelling in the gums. A build-up of bacteria and plaque is the top cause of this.
- Periodontitis: Untreated gingivitis turns into periodontitis and damages the soft tissue around the teeth. The irritation you experience in the gingivitis stage turns to bleeding and weakened gums that cause infection throughout your mouth.
- Advanced periodontitis: If left to progress, periodontitis becomes advanced and can lead to bone loss, bad breath, and ongoing bad breath.
Knowing the Symptoms of Gum Disease
When a mild dental infection turns into gum disease your oral health will start to deteriorate. The most common symptoms that will confirm your gum disease include the following:
- Sore gums
- Pain when eating
- Loose teeth
- Pus around your teeth
- Receding gums
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Bleeding gums, especially when brushing your teeth
Prevention is Better than Cure
When it comes to gum disease, prevention is always better than dealing with the negative effects it causes. Some people are more at risk of developing gum disease such as people with diabetes, anyone with a poor diet, people who take illicit drugs, and anyone neglecting their oral health. Our experts have compiled a list of the top ways you can prevent gum disease.
1. Regular Brushing
The number one way to avoid gum disease is by regularly brushing your teeth. This is because food left on your teeth can form a sticky bacteria called plaque. When plaque hardens, it becomes tartar which is the onset of gum disease. When tartar forms on your teeth, it can be difficult to remove with regular brushing and flossing.
To avoid this, dental experts recommend brushing your teeth after each meal. Be sure to brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush for at least three minutes at a time. Always use fluoride toothpaste and brush along your gum line. You should also brush your tongue as excess bacteria can accumulate there and spread to the rest of your mouth.
2. Floss Daily
Brushing may not always remove all the food and plaque particles from your teeth. This is why you should add flossing to your daily routine. Flossing is effective because it removes food particles that get lodged between your teeth that may be too hard to reach with brushing. Using a floss holder makes the overall process easier and faster. Be sure to floss after brushing.
3. Invest in Mouthwash
Another effective way to remove plaque and excess bacteria from your mouth is to opt for an antibacterial mouthwash. Keep in mind that mouthwash shouldn’t replace brushing and flossing but should be done at least once daily if you’re struggling with plaque or irritated gums.
4. Visit Your Dentist Often
Good oral hygiene also involves regularly visiting your dentist for routine dental cleans and assessments. Checking your mouth will alert you to early signs of gum disease and expert cleaning can go a long way toward preventing gum disease. Both adults and children should visit the dentist at least once every six months. If you suspect you or a family member may be showing early signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment sooner.
5. Opt for a Healthy Meal Plan
Cleaning the food off of your teeth is only part of the solution. Avoiding the sugary foods that contribute to plaque development will reduce bacteria and tooth decay. Develop a healthy eating plan for you and your family that is high in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C.
Be sure to keep the following pointers in mind when you’re revising a healthy eating plan:
- Fiber-rich fruit and veggies helps clean teeth.
- Dairy products such as milk and cheese help to rebuild tooth enamel.
- Green tea contains polyphenols that prevent bacteria from growing on your teeth and tongue.
- Shitake mushrooms contain lentinan which is known for attacking the bacteria that spreads gum disease.
- Chew firm fruits such as apples and pears stimulate saliva production which helps to remove bacteria.
Final Thoughts
Preventing gum disease starts with simple tasks such as brushing, flossing, and avoiding foods that may contribute to inflammation and tooth decay. Speak to your dentist for recommendations for the best products to use for you and your family. Following our tips will ensure that you get your family’s oral hygiene off to a good start.
