Most adults in the UK suffer from some form of gum disease, which is the main cause of tooth loss. Gum disease often begins very slowly, usually as gingivitis, when gums bleed slightly during brushing and flossing, or appear slightly red or swollen. This early stage of gum disease is treatable and reversible, however, the later stage of gum disease, periodontitis, is far more serious and may even require surgical treatment. Gum disease is highly preventable with good dental hygiene and a healthy diet.
Dental Hygiene
One of the most critical steps in the prevention of gum disease is developing and maintaining a good dental hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth twice every day with a fluoride toothpaste and daily inter-dental cleaning, removes the plaque build-up that causes gum disease. The British Dental Health Foundation suggests waiting an hour after any meals or snacks to brush, to avoid damaging the enamel on your teeth.
Regular dental checkups will remove any remaining plaque or calculus build up from the teeth or treat existing gum disease before it has an opportunity to do any long-term damage.
Diet
Food choices are quite important in the battle against gum disease. Excessive amounts of sugary foods contribute to both tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, these foods provide fuel for the bacteria in the mouth and help to increase plaque, the primary cause of gum disease. Avoiding sweets can ultimately improve overall oral health.
Adding certain foods to the diet can improve oral health as well. Consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like mackerel, tuna, herring, and salmon, has been associated with a lower incidence of gum disease. Cheese and other foods high in lactic acid and calcium are also good for teeth and gums, as are foods high in vitamin C and rich in folic acid.
Restorative Options
Although most of the time the progression of gum disease can be prevented or slowed with a good dental hygiene routine and solid nutritional choices, periodontitis is still the most common reason for tooth loss in adults. Once tooth loss has occurred, the space left behind can cause the remaining teeth to drift or tilt and increase the risk of TMJ disorders and other serious oral health problems. Restoring the tooth is important not only for cosmetic reasons but also for health reasons.
Restorative options for missing teeth include bridges, partial or full dentures, and dental implants, which are a type of restoration that acts as the root of the tooth and the base for a bridge, crown, or denture. Dental implants reduce the bone loss in the jaw that often accompanies the loss of a tooth, and they provide a natural-looking, long-lasting restoration. Bridges and dentures are the more traditional restorations and may be more affordable choices for many and are available from both general and cosmetic dentists.
Author Bio:
Becky Mackay is a Manchester based copywriter, with a love of all subjects, but especially health and well-being. To find out more about how to prevent gum disease visit http://www.gumdisease.co.uk
Disclaimer
All content on this website is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. Always consult your own GP if you’re in any way concerned about your health.