Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is linked to some serious conditions that affect your whole body, including cardiovascular issues and diabetes. Thankfully, it’s easy to prevent the disease by diligently practicing good oral hygiene and receiving regular oral health care from the caring team at Ueno Center Dental Specialists in Campbell, California, serving San Jose, Cupertino, Los Gatos and surrounding areas. To find out more about gum disease prevention, call the office for an appointment or request one online today.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a highly common oral health condition that progresses slowly. It’s an infection of the soft tissues in your mouth that wrap around and support your teeth. The infection develops when bacteria gather on the surfaces of your teeth in the form of a pasty film called plaque. Plaque hardens into tartar, which your dentist can remove during a professional cleaning at Ueno Center Dental Specialists.

Gum disease often starts out with mild or no symptoms at all. As it progresses, you may notice these signs:

• Foul breath
• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Pain while you chew
• Tooth sensitivity

Eventually, gum disease can cause you to lose your adult teeth if you don’t get treatment and learn to prevent it in the future.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Gum disease is preventable with the right oral hygiene and care. Research shows that some people have a genetic predisposition to gum disease. If you have family members with gum disease, you might develop it even if your oral hygiene habits are adequate. You can reduce your risk of getting gum disease by following these steps:

• Brush for two to three minutes at a time
• Brush twice a day
• Floss at least once a day
• Limit sugar in your diet
• Avoid cigarettes and tobacco products
• Attend your six-month cleanings

The team at Ueno Center Dental Specialists gives your teeth and gums a thorough cleaning at each of your appointments to help prevent gum disease. They also provide treatment for gum disease if you have it. 

Why is preventing gum disease important?

Preventing gum disease doesn’t just preserve your natural teeth and your oral health. Because of the oral-systemic connection, your oral health is intertwined with your overall physical health. Gum disease and the bacteria that cause it are associated with several general health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Experts believe that gum disease may raise your blood sugar levels, hence the association with gum disease and diabetes. If you have diabetes, you’re also more likely to have gum disease. Treating your gum disease can help lower your risk of other diabetes-associated conditions like eye problems and kidney disease.

To find out more about preventing gum disease, call the Ueno Center Dental Specialists for an appointment or book online today.