Avoid Gum Disease | Top Tips From Acton Vale Dental

Some simple things you can do to help keep your gums healthy.

When we think about oral health, we naturally tend to think of our teeth. This is understandable as we use them daily and when things go wrong, we tend to experience discomfort. It is easy then, to forget about the importance of our gums. Healthy gums should feel firm and comfortable and should not bleed when you brush your teeth. If they are swollen, sore or bleeding, it can be a sign that something is wrong and may need attention from a dentist at the Acton Vale Dental Centre.

The good news is that gum disease is usually preventable. It is mainly caused by plaque, which builds up around the teeth and gums, so keeping this under control is the most important thing you can do. This does not require a complicated routine. A few simple habits, ingrained into your daily life can make a real difference.

Brush your teeth properly

It probably sounds obvious, but brushing your teeth twice a day is still one of the best ways to protect your gums. Plaque constantly forms on the teeth and the gum line. It is a sticky substance which contains bacteria, and, if it is allowed to remain, can cause irritation and inflammation. Make sure to take a couple of minutes to brush thoroughly, both morning and night, rather than rushing through it. Pay particular attention to where the teeth meet the gums, but do not scrub aggressively. Brushing harder is not the same as brushing better. Too much pressure can irritate the gums and, over time, may contribute to gum recession. It can also cause enamel erosion of the teeth, causing sensitive teeth.

A fluoride toothpaste should always be used, and an electric toothbrush may help you to clean more efficiently.

Interdental cleaning

Even the best toothbrush cannot reach everywhere. There are spaces between the teeth where plaque and food particles can remain, particularly towards the back of the mouth. If these areas are not cleaned, the gums between the teeth can become inflamed. You can use dental floss or an interdental brush to achieve this. The main thing is to use one that will encourage you to do this on a daily basis and not just when you think you have food stuck in your teeth.

Bleeding gums

A little blood when brushing your teeth is easy to dismiss, especially if it happens occasionally. You should keep an eye on this if it happens and, if it continues, don’t stop brushing in that area, but make sure that you pay extra attention to it when you do. A failure to do this may cause the problem to worsen. If your gums continue to bleed despite improving your oral hygiene, make an appointment with us at the Acton Vale Dental Centre to have it checked out. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Keep an eye on tartar control

Plaque that is left on the teeth can eventually harden into tartar, also known as calculus. Once it has hardened, you cannot simply brush it away at home. It can also provide a rough surface for even more plaque to collect around the gums. A dental hygienist can remove tartar during a professional cleaning known as a ‘scale and polish’. Some people build up tartar more quickly than others, so the amount of professional cleaning needed varies from one person to another.

Smoking makes things harder

Smoking is bad news for your gums. It increases the risk of developing gum disease and can also make the condition more difficult to treat. Smoking affects the blood supply to the gums and can interfere with the body’s ability to fight infections and heal. It is one of the major factors in the development of periodontitis and also oral cancer which can, potentially, be life threatening. Stopping smoking is one of the most useful things you can do for your oral health. If you are trying to give up, there is no shame in asking for help. Your local GP may be able to offer advice and help with this.

Your general health

Gum health does not exist in isolation from the rest of the body. Certain medical conditions and medications can affect the gums or make gum disease more likely. Hormonal changes can also alter the way the gums respond to plaque. This is one of the reasons that gum disease is more common during pregnancy. If you have a condition or take medication that you think might be affecting your mouth, mention it to your dentist. They can take this into account when assessing your gums and advising you about your oral hygiene.

Visit our Acton dentist regularly

Gum disease can develop without causing much pain or even symptoms at times, particularly in its early stages. Our local experienced dentists will be able to monitor your gums and the tissues supporting the teeth and may be able to identify changes that you have not noticed. Regular appointments are therefore about more than just checking for cavities. If there are early signs of gum disease, finding them sooner, rather than later, can make it much easier to deal with the problem.

How often you need an examination will depend on your individual circumstances. Somebody with a history of gum disease may need more frequent appointments than somebody with healthy gums.

Be aware of changes

If you notice that your gums have started to bleed more often, or if they look red and swollen, don’t wait until things become worse and contact our Acton dental clinic as soon as you can so that we can take a look and provide treatment where necessary. The early stages of gum disease can often be controlled with improved cleaning and professional care. If it is allowed to progress, however, the inflammation can begin to damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth. In severe cases, this can eventually lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

For most people, the ordinary habits that we mention above are the most effective way of keeping your gums in good shape.

If you feel that you might have problems with your gums, or if you haven’t had your gum health checked in a while, why not come to see us to have it checked? If you would like to contact us for an appointment, please call us on 020 8749 3267.