Gum health is very important, but people are typically focused on straight teeth and pearly whites. In fact, many people fail to recognize symptoms of gingivitis before it is too late. Once gingivitis turns into full-on gum disease or periodontitis, the game is over. Gum disease is often painless, but there are symptoms you need to know about. It is important to recognize these symptoms, and visiting your dentist regularly provides him or her with the opportunity to detect early gum disease as well. How does gum disease start?

Gum Disease

Plaque begins to build up around the gums, and this can cause them to become inflamed. The sticky plaque, if not removed, eventually becomes tartar, which must be removed by a dentist. That is why it is so important to opt for regular cleanings. You do your best to remove plaque at home by following good dental hygiene practices, but those cleanings finish the job. If gum disease is left untreated, advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, takes over. This is when the bones and tissue around your teeth are impacted. There is no way to reverse periodontitis. The condition can be treated, however, so that a person is still able to keep his or her original teeth. Advanced periodontitis, in its final stages, can cause your teeth to have to be removed. Signs of advanced gum disease include consistently bad breath and also bad taste.

Your permanent teeth begin to separate and loosen, and your gums continue to bleed more than before. Like with gingivitis, gums are swollen, red, and tender, only these symptoms may be more pronounced. You may develop infectious boils on your gums, too, due to any tooth decay happening beneath the surface. It is important to understand that this type of condition can be prevented, so it is time to take action.

Preventing Gum DiseaseFloss Regularly

Flossing regularly is key to removing the rest of that plaque. How often should you floss your teeth? Ideally, you need to floss more than once, but ensuring you floss once each day is sufficient. Do not get too busy to properly care for your choppers.

Semi-Annual Dental Cleanings

Ideally, you should opt for a dental cleaning once every six months. Some people make these appointments annually vs semi-annually. What’s important is that you do visit the dentist to have your teeth cleaned regularly. Remember, doing so is key to removing the rest of the plaque before it becomes tartar and really causes you problems. After all, gingivitis can be reversed. If you are in the Fleet area then search orthodontics Fleet

No Smoking

If you are a smoker, you are working against yourself in the other direction. Smoking compromises your immune system, and it has much to do with contributing to the beginning stages of gum disease. You want your gums to stay healthy, and if anything happens, you want your gums to heal properly. Smoking is not going to help your cause whatsoever.

Brushing Twice

Brush once when you get up in the morning and once before you go to bed. Dentists even recommend brushing your teeth after each meal. No, that does not mean brushing your teeth five times a day. Remember, you are taking the time to brush when necessary, that’s all. You just have to recognize the fact that there are food particles and plaque buildup that need to be removed. You have to be in the right frame of mind, and most of us simply need to just slow down for a minute. Brush twice daily, use an electric toothbrush, and switch out the brush head every three months.