Healthy gums are a vital part of your overall wellbeing. Gum disease is usually caused by bacteria present in plaque or tartar. Plaque is a sticky film that tends to cover your teeth. If it is not removed on time, it can harden to form tartar, which gives birth to bacteria.
Adopting good oral hygiene practices is imperative to prevent gum disease. Here are some risk factors that you need to be aware of:
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
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Chewing tobacco
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Smoking
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Diabetes
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Hormonal changes in females
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Certain medicines
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Heredity
How to Keep Gums Healthy
Gum disease tends to be painless, so you may not immediately figure out if anything is wrong with them. However, it is easily preventable. Here are simple steps that can help you nip it in the bud:
Brush and Floss
Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or even earlier if you notice the bristles fraying. Keep your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, and turn your brush vertically to clean your teeth from the inside. Brush gently and in short strokes for best results.
Choose the Right Toothpaste
A variety of toothpaste are available in the market, claiming to freshen your breath, whiten your teeth, and reduce gingivitis. Consider buying a toothpaste containing fluoride if you have the health of your gums in mind. Also make sure it has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on the packaging.
Quit Smoking
Smoking makes your gums increasingly vulnerable to gum disease as it weakens your immune system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a fragile immune system makes it difficult to combat gum infection. This also makes it hard for your gums to heal from disease.
Dental checkups are vital for cleaning your mouth in a professional way. At Advanced Dental Associates we can detect whether you have gum disease and expertly remove tartar from your teeth. To book an appointment with us, call us at (210) 714-5589 today. Early diagnoses can help ward off severe problems in the future.
Dental Blog San Antonio, TX • Advanced Dental Associates We here at Advanced Dental Associates believe in educating our patients about how to best maintain their oral and overall health. Call us today at: (210) 655-2753.
Advanced Dental Associates, 16131 Nacogdoches Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247-1002, (210) 714-5589, advanceddentalsa.com, 5/30/2023, Key Phrases: dentist San Antonio TX,
Healthy gums are a vital part of your overall wellbeing. Gum disease is usually caused by bacteria present in plaque or tartar. Plaque is a sticky film that tends to cover your teeth. If it is not removed on time, it can harden to form tartar, which gives birth to bacteria.