The importance of your oral health cannot be stressed enough. Daily brushing and flossing are necessary to keep the bacteria in your mouth under control. Without proper oral hygiene, you greatly put yourself at risk of developing oral diseases and other conditions that can negatively affect your quality of life.
One of these conditions is gum disease. Not seeking immediate treatment can cause infections to spread and worsen over time.
What is Periodontal Disease?
The mouth is full of bacteria which constantly forms plaque on the teeth. Daily brushing and flossing along with visits to the dentist for a cleaning help to get rid of this plaque, but any that remains is problematic as the buildup of plaque contributes to oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) is caused when the bacteria from plaque leads to inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. Left untreated, the infection gradually spreads to other areas of the mouth and it can damage the structure that holds your teeth in place. Periodontal disease can range from minor gum inflammation to major damage to both the soft tissue and supporting bone.
Plaque is one of the main causes of periodontal disease but other factors include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Hereditary
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Medication
- Age
- Research has shown that poor oral health may be linked to other conditions such as diabetes and heart diseases. This is why maintaining proper oral hygiene is so critical.
Preventative measures for periodontal disease include:
- Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
- Flossing regularly to remove plaque between teeth
- Swishing daily with an antiseptic mouth rinse
- Going in for a check-up at the dentist
- Topical fluoride applications and fissure sealants
Schedule a Consultation
Swollen or bleeding gums is an early sign that bacteria could be spreading in your gums. Call (08) 9249 7383 to schedule a check-up at Illawarra Dental Centre for a full assessment and other preventative tips.
