Gum disease can happen to anyone in Lake Havasu!
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss and it’s one of the most common dental problems that can occur. While some people might assume that gum disease is something that only happens to adults, this is far from the truth. Anyone, no matter their age, can develop this chronic inflammatory condition. Our Lake Havasu, AZ, family dentist is here to tell you how to keep your gums healthy.
Here are just some simple measures you can take to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush thoroughly twice a day
- Floss your teeth daily, preferably before bedtime
- Make sure to change your toothbrush head every 3-4 months
- Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet
- Enjoy a healthy balanced diet (lean proteins, crisp fruits, fibrous vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains)
- Visit a dentist every six months for checkups
Of course, issues may arise that require more immediate care for you or your child. It’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with us if you are noticing any of these symptoms or changes in your gums that don’t go away:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness to the touch
- Bleeding (particularly when flossing or brushing)
- Receding gums (teeth will appear longer than usual)
Fortunately, if gum disease is caught during its earliest stages (known as gingivitis) it can be reversed, so it’s better to play it safe and come in for an evaluation if you suspect that something isn’t right with the health of your gums. We might be able to stop it before it becomes a more advanced and chronic disorder.
What happens if gum disease is left untreated?
Gum disease might not always cause symptoms for the sufferer, which is why it’s so important that you and all members of your family get routine dental checkups every six months even if you don’t have any risk factors that predispose you to gum disease.
Unfortunately, if you don’t get the proper treatment you need and gum disease is left untreated, it can wreak some serious and long-term havoc on the overall health of your smile. Gum disease doesn’t just affect the look and feel of your gums it can also lead to tooth loss and bone damage. Gum disease has even been linked to more serious systemic health problems like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Why let this problem cause long-term issues for your health when it can easily be treated?
Cosmic Kids Dentistry in Lake Havasu, AZ, is dedicated to providing a full range of comprehensive dental care to your entire family. No matter whether you need to schedule a routine cleaning or you are experiencing bleeding or tender gums, call our office today to schedule an appointment with us.