According to studies about half of the adults in the UK have gum diseases. They have reported that gum diseases are the leading cause of tooth loss among these adults. And if you are over 65 years old, the chances of developing gum diseases are even higher. Nobody likes losing their teeth and the good news is there are simple things you can do to prevent gum disease and preserve your oral health.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an inflammatory disease that happens when bacteria from plaque goes down the gum line. These bacteria then produce toxins that eventually lead to tooth lose. The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized as red and swollen gums, they may also bleed when you are brushing your teeth. The gums will start receding and your teeth will be more exposed. Many people ignore this stage allowing it to become a more serious disease called periodontitis. At this stage, the teeth will start falling off, creating the need for dental implants.Preventing Gum Disease
Preventing gum diseases is critically important for your teeth and your overall health as well. Some of the prevention you can do are brushing and flossing. Brush and floss frequently and correctly so you can eliminate bacteria in the tooth and in the gums. Stop smoking. Smoking decreases blood circulation that helps the gums healthy. Smoking also is a primary contributor to gum disease. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals. This is important to keep gum tissue healthy so it can support the teeth. Avoid food that is rich in sugar since bacteria that cause gum disease live on sugar. Have sugar-free gums after meals if you can’t brush your tooth. Sugar-free gums promote the production of saliva that washes away tiny food particles.Have regular checkups. Don’t assume that you can skip an appointment because your teeth look healthy and you haven’t experienced any pain. Seeing your dentist regularly is important for adults since dentists are trained to identify early stages of gum diseases. Also, a dental cleaning removes tartar build-up that cannot be removed at home.
Dr. Minesh Patel provides comfortable dental care to patients of all ages. Dr. Minesh Patel can help you prevent gum diseases and advise you how to clean your teeth well. Find out more about dental health on the Dr Minesh Patel Bedford blog here and Dr Minesh Patel Bedford VisualCV here. You can also learn more about Dr Minesh Patel Bedford work and career on his Soundcloud page here.
