Periodontal diseases are classified as diseases of the gums and have the potential to change the physiological state of the tissues that surround the teeth. How Common is Gum Disease? New research reveals that almost one in every fourth adult in America could suffer from some form of gum disease, more so with those above thirty years and individuals with unhealthy lifestyles. But gum disease isn’t just a concern for older adults—even periodontal disease in young adults is on the rise, especially among those with poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar, and smoking habits. Understanding what causes gum disease and how to prevent gum disease is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and avoiding the more severe effects of gum disease.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts with bacterial plaque, a sticky layer that forms on teeth and gums daily. If not removed through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be cleaned by a dentist. This buildup can lead to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, causing red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis is preventable and treatable with proper oral hygiene and professional cleanings. If untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, a more severe stage affecting the gums, bone, and supporting tissues, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Periodontal disease in young adults is becoming more common due to poor oral hygiene, excessive sugar, and smoking. Early signs like bleeding or swollen gums should not be ignored. Genetics plays a role, but lifestyle choices remain the most significant factor. Learning how to prevent gum disease through good oral hygiene and regular dental visits is essential to improve gum health at any age.
10 Tips For Healthy Gums
As above shows how common is gum disease. It is very important to make an effort to ensure that your gums are well protected for the sake of your Oral health. Here are six practical tips to help prevent gum disease and keep your gums strong and healthy:
Tip 1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day (and Do It Right)
Brushing your teeth is one of the most basic procedures required to bring out toothpaste and remove plaque and bacteria that have built up during the day. However, effective brushing means more than just a quick scrub. Here’s how to brush properly:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: A soft and flexible brush helps prevent injury to the gum while reaching small and hard-to-reach areas of the mouth to eliminate debris.
- Brush for two minutes: Take the time to brush all surfaces of your teeth and gums, ensuring you remove plaque effectively.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and protect your gums from decay and disease.
- Adjust your toothbrush at the correct angle: Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and clean your teeth and gums in a circular motion.
Regular and proper brushing is one of the best ways to prevent gingivitis and improve gum health.
Tip 2. Floss Daily to Clean Between Teeth and Prevent Gum Disease
Flossing is a crucial part of oral hygiene and just as important as brushing when it comes to preventing gum disease. While brushing removes plaque from the surface of your teeth, flossing targets areas between the teeth and along the gumline that a toothbrush might miss. Regular flossing helps to eliminate food particles and plaque buildup, reducing the risk of gum inflammation and disease. Here’s how to floss effectively:
- Use about 18 inches of floss: Wrap it around your fingers and use a fresh section for each tooth.
- Be gentle: Slide the floss gently between your teeth. Twining it into a ‘C’ shape and dredging it around each tooth to clean food particles without creating harm to the gum line.
- Floss once a day: Flossing daily helps reduce plaque buildup and prevents tartar formation.
Some people may not use floss, however, this step is crucial in order to avoid such gum disease. Food particles are likely to harden into what is known as tartar and this only a dentist can remove and gingivitis is not far away either.
Tip 3. Rinse with Antibacterial Mouthwash
Using an antimicrobial or antibacterial mouthwash will also go a long way in preventing gum disease apart from regular flossing. Mouthwash assists in covering those areas that brushing and flossing cannot access, and helps eliminate bacteria that contribute to plaque buildup and gum disease.
- Look for ADA-approved mouthwash: This ensures that the mouthwash has been clinically proven to fight plaque-causing bacteria.
- Rinse for 30 seconds: Ensure the mouthwash reaches all areas of your mouth, including the back of your teeth and along the gumline.
- Use daily: Adding mouthwash to your oral care routine helps reduce bacteria and freshens your breath.
Tip 4. Visit Your Dentist Regularly (At Least Twice a Year)
No matter how well you brush and floss, professional Dental Care checkups are essential for maintaining gum health. Your dentist can identify early signs of gum disease and monitor the stages of gum disease before they become serious problems. You see, how Common is gum disease
- Schedule cleanings every six months: Professional cleanings remove tartar and plaque buildup that regular brushing can’t address.
- Consider deep cleanings if needed: If you have a history of gum disease, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planning to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line.
Routine exams also allow your dentist to detect the early signs of periodontal disease in young adults or other Dental Care issues.
Tip 5. Eat a Nutritious Diet for Healthy Gums
What you eat plays a significant role in the health of your gums. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals can strengthen your gums and help prevent gum disease.
- Eat vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, which keeps gum tissues healthy. Foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens are excellent sources of vitamin C.
- Consume calcium for strong teeth and bones: Calcium is important for strong teeth and bones. Dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milks are great sources of calcium.
- Limit sugary and acidic foods: Sugary foods fuel plaque-causing bacteria, and acidic foods can weaken tooth enamel, making your gums more susceptible to disease.
Maintaining a balanced diet helps protect your gums and overall oral health.
Tip 6. No Smoking and Other Tobacco Products
Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease because it weakens the immune system and impairs blood circulation to the gums. This makes it harder for your gums to fight off infections and is one of the key factors in what causes gum disease. Quitting smoking has numerous benefits:
- Reduces risk of gum disease: Smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease compared to non-smokers. Once you quit, your gums can begin to heal and regenerate.
- Improves overall healing: Quitting smoking improves blood flow to your gums, speeding up recovery and reducing the risk of infection.
- Protects against other health risks: Quitting tobacco lowers your risk of oral cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions.
Tip 7. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is essential for keeping your mouth moist and improving gum health.
- Flush away food particles and bacteria: Drinking water helps wash away debris that can lead to plaque buildup.
- Promotes saliva production: Saliva is crucial for neutralizing acids and fighting bacteria that cause gum disease.
Staying hydrated supports overall oral health and reduces the risk of gum disease.
Tip 8. Use a Mouthguard if You Grind Your Teeth
Teeth grinding, or bruxism can harm your gums and teeth. Wearing a mouthguard can help protect them.
- Protect your gums from damage: A mouthguard prevents excessive pressure on your gums and teeth caused by grinding.
- Worn at night: Grinding often occurs during sleep, so using a mouthguard at night can prevent damage and improve gum health.
If you grind your teeth, a mouthguard can be a simple way to protect your gums from harm.
Tip 9. Manage Stress
Stress can increase inflammation, which makes your gums more susceptible to gum disease.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help lower stress and reduce gum inflammation.
- Improve overall health: Managing stress also has benefits for your overall immune function, helping your body fight off infections, including gum disease.
Taking care of your mental well-being is essential for maintaining healthy gums.
Tip 10. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can dry out your mouth and lead to an imbalance in your oral bacteria.
- Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol can lead to gum irritation and increase the risk of gum disease.
- Hydrate: Drink water alongside alcoholic beverages to prevent dry mouth, which can promote bacterial growth.
Reducing alcohol consumption helps maintain a healthy mouth and reduces the risk of gum problems.
Conclusion
How common is gum disease? Unfortunately, it’s widespread, but the good news is that it’s largely preventable. By adopting proper oral hygiene habits—brushing and flossing daily, using mouthwash, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and visiting your dentist regularly—you can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease. If you’re wondering how to prevent gum disease, remember that small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference. It’s also important to understand that periodontal disease in young adults is becoming more common, and adopting good oral health practices early on can protect you for years to come.
Prevention is always easier than treatment, so don’t wait until you have symptoms to act. Prioritize your gum health today, and you’ll enjoy a healthy smile for a lifetime.