Gum Disease Prevention – Waterbury, CT

Not only can advanced gum disease inflict extensive damage to your mouth – resulting in gum recession or even tooth loss – but it can contribute to systemic health problems like diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Marini has plenty of options for treating gum disease should it start to form in your mouth, but naturally you’ll be much better off if you can avoid gum disease altogether! Luckily, maintaining good oral health habits can help you do just that. And if you do notice a problem with your gums, you can get in touch with us to schedule an appointment to discuss periodontal treatment that will leave you smiling!

Brush Your Teeth

The main cause of gum disease is the accumulation of plaque in your mouth. When harmful bacteria are allowed to build up, they can enter and infect the gums, destroying the tissues that anchor your teeth in place. Your goal should be to keep the presence of oral bacteria to an absolute minimum, and that means brushing thoroughly at least twice a day. While brushing, pay attention to your tongue as well; bacteria tend to hide in this area, and they can easily be transferred to the teeth and gums whenever the tongue touches them.

Don’t Forget to Floss

Your toothbrush can’t reach every nook and cranny inside your mouth. Flossing is essential for removing food particles and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line. Ignoring these spaces for a prolonged period of time can lead to trouble. If you have trouble using traditional dental floss, interdental brushes or water flossers might be easier to use.

Start Using Mouthwash

Have you made mouthwash a regular part of your oral hygiene routine? Doing so can help kill bacteria that you inadvertently overlooked while brushing and flossing. Check the ingredients of the mouthwash beforehand to make sure that it doesn’t contain any alcohol. You can rinse after each brushing and flossing session to round out the process.

Be Aware of the Risk Factors

It’s important to note that while gums disease can affect virtually anyone, there are a number of risk factors that can make it more likely. People who are older, use tobacco products, or have a family history of oral health issues are considered to be more at risk for gum disease. If any of these factors apply to you, it’s more important than ever to watch for the warning signs of gum disease (such as swollen or bleeding gums).

Maintain Your Regular Checkups

Gum disease is often referred to as a “silent killer” because the most noticeable symptoms often don’t occur until severe damage has already been done. That’s where your biannual dental checkups come in! In addition to looking for cavities, Dr. Marini will evaluate the health of your gums to see if there are any signs of an infection. If he finds a potential issue, he’ll let you know right away. Note that in many cases, if gum disease is found early enough, it can be completely reversed with a dental cleaning and good hygiene.