Gum disease is one of the most potent and dangerous threats to a beautiful, healthy smile. However, it is preventable. We actively encourage our patients to take preventative steps to keep gum disease at bay.
Here are some tips for reducing your risk of gum disease:
Oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the best method of defense against gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque, which contains harmful bacteria. Bacteria release acids and these irritate the gums, as well as contributing to enamel wear. When the gums are irritated, they become sore and swollen. We recommend brushing twice a day using fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes each time and flossing on a daily basis to remove plaque and food debris from the tiny gaps between your teeth.
Diet
Your diet has a significant impact on your oral health and knowing what and what not to eat can make a huge difference. Sugary foods cause the bacteria in your mouth to release plaque acids, which cause inflammation and soreness in the gums. Acidic foods are also bad news for the teeth, as they erode away the protective enamel layer of the teeth. It is particularly important to avoid eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods and drinks between meals. This is because your enamel becomes temporarily softer when you eat and it takes time for it re-mineralise and harden again. If you eat constantly during the day, this means that your enamel never has chance to fully recover. It is also important to wait around 60 minutes after eating to brush your teeth, as brushing while the enamel is still soft increases the risk of wear.
Dental checks
Regular dental checks help to reduce the risk of gum disease and enable dentists to spot the early warning signs so that any existing inflammation can be treated as quickly as possible. We recommend check-ups every 6 months for all our patients.
Spot the signs
It’s really useful to be able to spot the signs of gum disease, so that you can get help as quickly as possible. Symptoms to look out for include bleeding gums (especially when you brush your teeth), sore and swollen gums and increased redness in the gums. If you notice these signs, call us and we will book you an appointment.
Tags: dental check ups in liverpool, diet, gum disease, oral hygiene
