Like tooth decay, gum disease is nothing to take lightly when it comes to your overall wellness. From your youth, you have heard how important it is to take care of your teeth. It is equally critical that you maintain healthy, strong gums. With good oral hygiene, you can avoid problems such as periodontitis. Fortunately, if you start to develop this condition, there are ways to restore your gums and achieve your goals of healthy living.

The Keys to Good Oral Health

Healthy living should be at the top of everyone’s list of priorities in life. Too many people neglect to care for their teeth and gum. By brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily, children and adults can prevent oral health issues, including gum disease. It is also helpful to limit the intake of sugar. Starting when teeth first begin to emerge, patients should start visiting the dentist every six months.

How This Gum Disease Begins

Sound dental health practices are the keys to avoiding periodontitis. Relaxing on these needs can open the door to this disease from creeping in. It occurs when plaque starts to form on a person’s teeth. Brushing each day will get rid of it, but plaque can come back quickly. If plaque begins to overwhelm the teeth, it will harden and lead to tartar under the gumline. It is more difficult to remove this buildup and it can damage teeth and gums.

The dentist or a hygienist can remove tartar from the patient’s teeth. However, people who do not visit the dentist often and who forget to floss may develop gingivitis. This is a warning sign that periodontitis is coming. This gum disease occurs when pockets of bacteria form between the teeth.

The Consequences

Periodontitis is a serious gum disease. More than an annoyance, it can lead to bone loss and tooth loss. In the early stages, the person’s gums will swell and bleed frequently. Someone with periodontitis may experience pain while chewing. Getting rid of this disease can be a lengthy, uncomfortable process.

People Who Are at Risk

Children and adults who ignore brushing and flossing are prone to this gum disease. There are also other risk factors. People who use tobacco products often have a higher chance of developing periodontitis. Also, patients who currently have gingivitis may eventually see it turn into periodontitis. This disease can also run in the family. Other diseases such as diabetes may increase the likelihood of a patient developing this disease.

Be Vigilant

The good news is that this gum disease is not a hopeless cause. There are ways to both prevent and treat it. If you are diligent about brushing and flossing, you can avoid periodontitis. If you relax your oral health habits and periodontitis starts to form, talk to a dentist near you. This dental professional will discuss strategies to combat the condition and restore your health. A focused effort on getting rid of this issue is critical in your fight to regain healthy gums.