Dental health is an important aspect that many people overlook. While regular brushing contributes a lot to maintaining a healthy set of teeth, it’s simply not enough. Dental check-ups, proper diet, and even correcting wrong brushing habits are all just as important.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 47.2% of the American adult population (those aged 30 and above) have periodontal or gum disease. As for the seniors (aged 65 and above) over 70% have the said disease. Gum disease is also the leading cause of tooth loss for many adults, which explains why a number of seniors lose their teeth as they age.
Although very common, periodontal disease is still widely overlooked by many; to make things worse, it is also one of the most serious disease of the mouth because of its association with many health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses.
The main cause of periodontal disease is poor dental hygiene, here are some tips that you should bear in mind to prevent gum disease:
- Proper Brushing – The keyword here is “proper”. Although many people brush their teeth regularly, there are still those who do it incorrectly. A dentist typically advises that proper brushing should last for at least two minutes and must include the gums and tongue as well.
- Dental Check-ups – Dental check-ups should be done at least twice a year. This will allow your dentist to carefully monitor your teeth, detect any dental problem in its early stages, and apply quick and effective treatment.
- Good Practice – Healthy teeth and gums can stem from good habits. After meals, it’s ideal that you brush your teeth, or at least use mouthwash. Smoking should be avoided because it dries the mouth and promotes bacterial growth. Flossing should also be practiced to prevent food debris from getting stuck in between teeth.
- Medicine – Some medications are known to have side-effects like abnormal gum tissue growth, weakening of gums, and drying of the mouth. If you encounter any of these problems, ask your doctor or physician if he/she can prescribe a different medicine.
Periodontal disease is a serious problem that should not be ignored. If you experience symptoms like swollen or bleeding gums, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, receding gumline, or painful chewing, it is highly advised that you consult with an experienced Newport Beach dentist like F. Anthony Rich, DDS, to have yourself checked.
Sources:
CDC: HALF OF AMERICAN ADULTS HAVE PERIODONTAL DISEASE, Perio.org
Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments, NIH.gov