Whether its popcorn at the cinema or a glass of wine, most of us love a sugary treat from time to time. What many of us don’t realise is how much damage they can do to our teeth and gums. Don’t worry, we’re not saying immediately clear your kitchen cupboards of everything containing sugar. If you’re going to indulge, make sure you’re sticking to a good oral health routine. If you don’t, you could increase the risk of developing gum disease, which is the number one dental care issue in the UK. This is where the gums become swollen, sore or infected and without the correct care may lead to severe problems down the line.
What is it and How Does it Start?
Most common forms of gum disease begin with plaque, a naturally soft, sticky substance that builds up on your teeth and is made up of bacteria, which feed on sugar from your food and drink. A common issue many of us find is that when we allow plaque to build up it hardens and turns into tartar (making it harder to remove). This is why having a regular dental and hygienist checkup is key as they will be able to give your teeth a deep clean and potentially catch any issues early on. If left, however, the bacteria can make your gums sore and infected; they will look red and puffy, and they will probably bleed when you brush your teeth.
This is the first sign of gum disease – Gingivitis. Gum disease can start when you are a child, but worse case scenarios are normally only found in adults. It’s worth noting that some people are more prone to dental problems and gum disease than others. For example, crooked teeth can be harder to keep clean so it’s important to floss daily to avoid any unwanted build-up in and around the gums. Also, without a good dental care routine, smokers are more susceptible to gum disease because of toxins inhaled into the mouth.
How To Prevent Gum Disease?
The simple and most obvious way to avoid any issues is by maintaining good oral hygiene. ensuring you do not get a buildup of plaque. This can be achieved by brushing twice a day with an electric toothbrush and using floss tape which removes plaque from between your teeth and helps to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Pro-tip, if you find your gums to be sore or bleeding (an indication of gum disease) you are more than likely to have plaque build up. Whilst the temptation is to stop brushing or flossing that area, it’s even more important to keep your dental care regime in place. As previously mentioned, it’s very important to keep a good oral health routine and to regularly visit your dentist and hygienist to make sure you avoid plaque, tartar or any other issue.
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The Top Tips To Look Out For:
- Bleeding Gums
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Persistent bad breath/ or bad taste