Chicago Periodontist Says Gum Disease Can Be Preventable

Growing up we’ve all heard how important it is to brush and floss daily, but how many of us really listened? For those that weren’t listening, they may experience gum disease later in life. Gum disease is basically the advanced stages of what many know as gingivitis.

It may be hard to tell when you have gum disease, but there are some signs that you can look for. Do you notice that every time you brush, your gums start bleeding or are tender and swollen? This is a huge sign that there may be some underlying problem, such as, gingivitis. It’s a good idea that if you start seeing this, you contact your periodontist and make an appointment. The longer you let this go, the worse it may get. Many think that bleeding gums has to do with brushing too hard, but in fact it’s due to bacterial infection within the gum. If left untreated, it can eat away at your gums causing your gums to recede. You could eventually need oral surgery to repair it.

These problems can be preventable. For starters, brush daily. Every time you eat, food gets stuck between the teeth and sometimes deep in the gums. The longer this bacteria lingers, the more likely it is you will end up with gum disease. Then, you must make sure to floss. This is to help reach areas that tooth brush bristles can’t reach. You have to make sure that you know how to floss properly. Ask the dentist the next time you visit to show you the correct method of flossing. And, last but not least, visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings. Never be afraid to ask questions. They are there to help you and make sure your pearly whites last for a lifetime.

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