As you start your new year off with resolutions about how to be healthier and happier, don’t forget to include your teeth and gums in your goals. The start of a new year is the perfect time to commit to taking better care of your body, and how you care for your mouth is linked to the health other systems and functions of the body. To help you understand more about gum disease, we have a few things you should be watching for.
Signs of Gum Disease
There are several stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is perhaps the best known, but left unchecked it can lead to periodontitis, a severe condition that destroys the tissue surrounding the infection. Some signs to watch for include:
· Dull or sharp pains when chewing
· Strong sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
· Loose teeth
· Red, tender or swollen gums
· Bleeding when brushing or flossing
· Persistent bad taste in mouth or bad breath
· Change in the way your teeth look or how they fit together
· Receding gums
Preventing Gum Disease
While some factors related to gum disease are out of your control, such as genetics and age, there are things you can do to prevent the problem from getting worse.
· Brush twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, and if possible after every meal. If you can’t brush after each meal, at least rinse your mouth with water.
· Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and debris that is stuck between your gums and teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
· Schedule a regular appointment with a periodontist in Leesburg, VA, such as Dr. Kharmouche. Periodontists are specially trained in areas related to the gums and are often able to spot problems early enough to reverse them.
Simply taking good care of your teeth and gums goes a long way toward preventing gum disease, but there are times when the help of a professional is vital to staying healthy. If you haven’t seen a periodontist in a while, call us today to schedule an appointment.
