Making sure that your teeth are healthy is only one part of ensuring good oral health. You should also be concerned about the state of your gums because gum disease is actually a greater cause of tooth loss than tooth decay itself. Thankfully, taking care of your gums is not a major hassle and can be achieved in several easy steps.
The best way to guard against gum disease is to make sure that you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day and again after meals if necessary. If plaque builds up on the gum line of teeth then it can cause the gums to become inflamed. They will start to redden and you will find that you are experiencing a great deal of sensitivity when you eat and drink.
If left without being dealt with then the inflammation can spread to the bones which hold your teeth in place. Periodontitis is a serious condition which often results in tooth loss and so it is best to deal with any problems concerning your gums sooner rather than later.
Thankfully gum disease in its early stages is not difficult to deal with. Your dentist might advise that you tighten up your home oral hygiene routine and start flossing if you are not already doing so. Plaque can easily hide between the teeth and needs to be removed as urgently as it does from the surface of your teeth. Sometimes dentists might suggest that you use certain mouth washes which are designed to combat gum disease or you may be prescribed antibiotics.
Talk to your Central Leeds dentist if you have started to become concerned about the health of your gums.
Tags: gum disease, plaque, tooth loss
