Gum disease is the last thing you want to deal with in the run-up to Christmas, so we have compiled a brief guide to help you banish bleeding and painful gums for good!
Preventing gum disease
Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK; however, it is preventable. The most important thing in the fight against gum disease is a good daily oral hygiene regime. Brushing and flossing help to remove and break down food debris and bacteria in the mouth before they get the chance to join forces and form plaque; plaque is a sticky substance, which attacks the enamel and irritates the gums. We recommend brushing twice a day for 2-3 minutes each time, flossing daily and using inter-dental brushes to clean the tiny gaps between the teeth.
Sticking to a healthy diet can also really help to stave off gum disease; we recommend adopting a healthy eating plan and avoiding eating sugary and acidic foods, such as cakes, sweets, fizzy drinks and fruit juice, on a regular basis. It’s particularly important to avoid snacking on sugary and acidic drinks and foods between meals.
Smoking increases the risk of gum disease because cigarettes contain hundreds of harmful chemicals and smoking affects blood flow to the gums. If you would like to quit smoking, we are here to help!
We also can’t stress the importance of regular dental checks and hygiene sessions enough!
What to do if you think you may have gum disease
If you notice bleeding when you brush, your gums are sore or swollen or you have bad breath, we recommend calling and making an appointment. Even if you don’t have gum disease, it’s much better to get checked out; if you do have early symptoms, these can usually be treated very effectively. It’s very important to treat gum disease as it progresses quickly and can result in permanent damage to the mouth.
Tags: Bleeding gums central Leeds, City of Leeds, gum disease, periodontal disease
