Why Hygiene Isn’t Enough to Stop Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease is one of the most important focuses of preventive dentistry. That’s because it’s one of the most frequent chronic dental health issues, as well as the most frequent cause of adult tooth loss. However, preventing gum disease requires more than just brushing and flossing your teeth twice every day. While important, a consistently good hygiene routine can only do so much to prevent the formation of gum disease. The rest requires the professional care and attention that only your dentist and hygienist can provide.

What Gum Disease Is

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is the chronic degradation of your gums, periodontal tissues, and jawbone structure. It starts relatively minor as a gum infection called gingivitis, which results from too many bacteria gathering on your gum line. Marked by redness, inflammation, and occasional bleeding in your gums, gingivitis is the only part of gum disease that is reversible.

The Limits of Good Hygiene

When you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once, you can control most of the harmful oral bacteria that lead to gum disease. However, any spot of plaque that you miss will quickly calcify into tartar, a harder and more resilient substance than plaque. Your toothbrush and floss can’t remove tartar, nor can they remove bacteria from underneath your gums once gingivitis has set in.

What Your Dentist Can Do

Regular checkups and cleanings play two important roles in gum disease prevention; they thoroughly eliminate tartar and its risks to your gums, and they allow your dentist to spot and treat gingivitis while it’s still reversible. By sticking to regular schedule of dental visits, your dentist can significantly improve your chances of preventing gum disease.

Learn How to Prevent or Stop Gum Disease

Preventing and treating gum disease require more than just good hygiene at home; they also require professional dental care and maintenance on a routine basis. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call Gentle Smiles in Dallas, TX, today at 972-329-7645 (972-329-SMILE).