When you're young and going to the dentist, you're likely focused on cavities. You may feel like you are doing a good job by simply being told that you do not have any cavities, which makes you feel like you are doing all the right things when it comes to brushing and flossing. However, you may be slowly developing signs of gum disease that you were not aware of. Here are the basics that you need to know about gum disease.
Your Dentist Can Tell If You Haven't Been Brushing and Flossing
Many people give their teeth a very thorough cleaning right before going to the dentist, which means brushing extra long and doing a really detailed flossing that they haven't done in months. While this may do a good job at getting rid of the plaque on your teeth, it will not reverse the early signs of gum disease.
Did you notice that your gums were bleeding a little bit when you were doing your thorough cleaning? Were you pulling a lot of plaque out from the pockets of your gums? Your dentist is going to notice things like gums that easily bleed when you touch them, which is one of the first signs of the early stages of gum disease.
If you have a good dentist, they'll notice this problem and let you know that your gums are bleeding quite easily. Bleeding and swollen gums are not normal, and can be best prevented by brushing and flossing regularly. You may be surprised at what a big difference brushing and flossing regularly can make towards reversing those early signs of gum disease.
You Can Take Additional Steps By Using A Mouth Rinse
Concerned about your bleeding gums? Know that your gum tissue will respond fairly quickly by practicing good dental hygiene at home. Consider incorporating a mouth rinse into your oral health routine in order to reserve the early signs of gum disease. There are rinses specifically designed for people that need help getting rid of the bacteria in the pockets of their gums, reduce redness and swelling, and prevent bleeding. In some situations, your dentist may even have you use a mouth rinse that contains chlorhexidine gluconate.
Have more questions about gum disease and the risks it poses on your oral health? Ask your general dentist more about it when you visit them next time for your semiannual cleaning and inspection.
Share20 August 2020
Do you care for your teeth like you should? Most people brush their teeth, but so many people rush through this process and are not as careful as they should be. Still others avoid flossing. A lack of dental care over the years can lead to increased decay. Thankfully, we have dentists who can treat decay with fillings, crowns, and in some cases, root canals. Dentists also provide preventative care. They can clean your teeth and use things like fluoride treatments to strengthen your enamel. The more you know about dental care, the better you'll be able to care for your mouth, so feel free to read some of the articles on this website.