Gum Disease in Frederick MD - The importance of Oral Care

Both in the dentist's office and on television, you hear about the importance of oral care in order to avoid gum disease. Although there are risks involved with gum disease and periodontitis, the good news is that Dr. Cha & Dr. Dinh have suitable treatments for gum disease in Frederick MD, so you never have to live with unhealthy gums.

The initial stage of gum disease, which is reversible, is gingivitis. In this stage, you may notice that your gums appear red and swollen and bleed a bit when you brush and floss your teeth.

Causes of gum disease are varied, but you have a good chance of avoiding unhealthy gums through proper care and regular dental check-ups. Some of the common causes of gum disease are:

• Poor health
• Poor oral hygiene
• Aggressive brushing
• Misaligned teeth
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Hormonal imbalance
• Irritation from dental appliances

By practicing good oral hygiene at home, you greatly reduce the amount of bacteria that thrive in your mouth. Brushing twice a day is recommended, as is daily flossing. Without flossing, bacteria that are missed by your toothbrush can hide in the small spaces between teeth and at the gum line. When these are left behind, gum tissue will be impacted. In addition to brushing, flossing and using an anti-bacterial mouthwash at home, it is necessary to maintain regular dental visits for cleaning and evaluation to keep gums in their healthiest state.

With regular visits, your dentist can monitor the health of your gums and advise treatment should gingivitis be present. Treatment for any stage of gum disease is necessary not only for oral health but for the health of your entire body. In the big picture, the bacteria that cause gum disease can also travel to other parts of the body, negatively impacting vital organs. Studies on gum disease show an increased risk of:

• Respiratory disease
• Digestive disorders
• Low birth weight in babies whose mothers have gum disease
• Osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Heart attack

In patients who already have a health condition, early detection and treatment for gum disease is crucial, as existing health conditions may be worsened by the harmful bacteria in the mouth. By working with your dentist, you can do more to avoid unhealthy bacteria from causing gum disease.

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