Gum Disease & Growing Smiles: Can It Be Prevented?

Growing smiles sounds potentially like a good thing. After all, the quality of your teeth and smile has been linked to confidence levels, and everyone would like to feel more confident. Unfortunately, the term ‘growing smile’ is not used to describe an improvement in your oral health. In fact, it is an indication of advanced gum disease.

Introducing The Growing Smile

Studies suggest that three in ten Australian adults have gum disease. It’s surprisingly common but is preventable and treatable, but only in the early stages.

There are two forms of gum disease:

1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is treatable. At this stage the issue is only with the gums and cleaning can remove all the bacteria, allowing the gums to heal.

2. Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated the bacteria will become more aggressive. This results in gum loss and damage to the bone structure. The damage will cause teeth to become loose and possibly fall out.

In effect, both of the above are the same issue, it advances to the second form when left untreated. Gum disease happens when bacteria attack your gums. This causes them to be red, inflamed, and they will bleed easily. You may also develop bad breath and abscesses.

This is a sign you need to see your dentist.

The reason this is referred to as a growing smile is that the gum disease causes gums to recede and allows more of your teeth to show. It’s not a healthy option.

Tips To Prevent Gum Disease

Fortunately, gum disease can be prevented, or treated if you catch it early. That’s why you need to develop a good relationship with your dentist. If you haven’t got one then speak to this dental specialist, Little Bay Invisalign

1. Brush Daily

The key to keeping gum disease away is to prevent bacteria from having the chance to attack your teeth and gums. You can do this by regularly swishing water around your mouth to reduce any acid build-up. It also helps to brush for at least two minutes twice a day. Brushing removes the sticky substance that collects on your teeth and causes plaque.

2. Floss

Alongside brushing, you should floss daily as this removes the bits of debris between your teeth that brushing can’t reach. You may occasionally make your gums bleed flossing. However, if it happens every time then you may already have gum disease and should visit your dentist.

3. Mouthwash

Mouthwash can be useful as it helps to remove debris from your mouth, specifically debris that has been dislodged.

It also strengthens your teeth and freshens your breath while killing bacteria that create the acid which attacks your teeth.

4. Monitor

Alongside the above, you should monitor your teeth regularly. You know them best and if they feel strange or painful, book an additional dental appointment and get them checked. It’s much easier to prevent gum disease than it is to deal with it advancing through your gums and into your bones.