The quality of your dental hygiene influences the rest of your health and immune system. Practicing below average dental hygiene can lead to early stages of gingivitis (gum disease), bacterial infections and in chronic or severe cases, vascular and heart complications. In taking action to avoid gum disease, you are also taking action for the rest of your body’s wellbeing.
An astonishing 50% of adults in the UK will experience gum disease at some. This figure easily be reduced by simply practising good oral hygiene. What’s more is that the latter figure reveals that 50% of adults in the UK don’t look after their teeth properly! Gum disease is not life-threatening but if you think you’ve got some of the symptoms below, make an appointment to see us here at Boyne.
- Especially dark red gums / bleeding gums.
- Gums that look puffy, red, tender or swollen.
- An unusual taste in your mouth / metallic taste/ bad breath.
- Pus emanating from between your teeth and gums.
- If your gums have retracted from your teeth, leaving a pocket or space (healthy gums should fit perfectly with your teeth leaving no spaces).
If you ignore these kind of symptoms, you could end up with:
- Loose teeth
- Lost teeth
- Receding gums
- Abscesses (the build of bacteria)
How to treat gum disease?
If you feel there are any unusual changes or abnormalities with your teeth, it’s always advisable to see your dental practitioner. If you have gum disease and it’s in its early stages, there are a few simple things you can do to get you back on track:
- Just keep brushing…. Gum disease is almost always caused by poor brushing or not having spent enough time brushing. Brush for 3 minutes each time, once in the morning, once in the evening and at lunchtime if you can spare the time (it’ll be worth it if you do!
- Don’t stop flossing! Brushing your teeth is the absolute minimum when maintaining good oral health. There are some areas of your mouth that a toothbrush simply can’t reach or clean thoroughly enough – this is what flossing is for. By removing the bits of food that become lodged between your teeth, you’ll minimise the build up of bacteria and thus, gum disease.
- Use fluoride toothpaste – By using toothpaste containing fluoride, you’ll strengthen your teeth and prevent dental cavities. Fluoride strengthens the enamel on your teeth, making them less susceptible to sugary drinks and foods.
Be sure to arrange check-ups every 6 months.
- Check-ups every 6-12 months – Gum disease can occur without you even noticing. It’s easily preventable by applying a healthy dental care routine and implementing the advice above. Even if you feel in perfect healthy, check-ups are important, as your body isn’t always good at showing you that something is wrong.