Everything You Need to Know to Avoid Gum Disease

Gum disease or periodontal disease is an extremely common problem that affects almost half of people over 30 in the U.S. each year. Gum disease is when the tissues that surround your teeth become inflamed and can become infected leading to tooth loss. 

Your gums are the foundation of your teeth so it’s important to understand the risk factors, and symptoms so you can identify any issues early on while they can still be reversed. Severe periodontitis can lead to diabetes or stroke, so as your dentist, we’d love to prevent any disease before it gets too severe and protect your long-term health.

September is National Gum Health Month so it’s a great time for our doctors to share their tips on avoiding gum disease. First, let’s understand the symptoms:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding when flossing or brushing
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth despite brushing
• Change in the alignment of your teeth
• Change in the fit of partial dentures

Gum disease occurs when there is a buildup of plaque, a sticky bacteria that is left on your teeth and gums. Mild gum disease is called gingivitis and can be easily reversible with the help of good oral hygiene and professional care. 

Tips for Preventing Gum Disease

1. Brush and Floss Daily — good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do at home to prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing help remove the plaque on and in between your teeth so it doesn’t build up. 
2. Regular Dental Exams and Professional Cleanings — our doctors at Nova Dental Partners can detect early signs of gum disease and treat you accordingly so it’s important to visit at least twice a year. We will also clean your teeth with our professional equipment to remove any hardened plaque in hard-to-reach places.
3. Healthy Choices — whether it’s choosing a low-sugar diet (sugar causes plaque) or not smoking, your chances of getting gum disease are much lower if you make healthy lifestyle decisions.
4. Align Your Teeth — having crooked teeth or a misaligned bite can lead to dental issues and make your teeth harder to clean, causing gum disease. If you have orthodontic issues, you may want to consider straightening your teeth using Invisalign so that you can take care of your teeth and gums more easily.  

If you are concerned about your gum health, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your options. Our dedicated team is here to walk you through our treatments and help you make an appointment with one of our expert dentists in Fairfax, Alexandria, and Woodbridge.

The earlier you make an appointment, the better your chances are of controlling any gum disease — so don’t delay