25
Mar
5 Expert-approved Tips for Getting Rid of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a severe oral infection that affects the gums and surrounding structures. If left untreated, gum disease can advance and damage your gums and underlying bone. Beachside Smiles understands your gums are as important as your teeth. Dr. Don Mungcal offers simple and advanced gum disease treatment in Manhattan Beach, California. Visit our office today and recover your healthy gums.
How to prevent gum disease?
Gum disease is treatable, but your best bet is to prevent it entirely. When left to thrive, gum disease may involve costly and invasive treatments. Maintain healthy gums by observing the following tips.
1. Commit to good oral hygiene.
Gum disease develops when we fail to brush and floss our teeth diligently. Good oral hygiene is the best way to keep your gums healthy and infection-free. Here is what optimal oral hygiene looks like:
- Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes and ensure you clean all five sides of your teeth. We recommend an electric toothbrush, but a manual one can do the job when used correctly.
- Flossing: Floss your teeth at least once daily, although doing it twice won’t hurt. Flossing removes plaque between teeth and along the gum line, which are areas not easily accessible with a toothbrush. Patients can use a traditional dental floss or water flosser like Waterpik.
- Mouthwash: Swish your mouth with an anti-bacterial mouthwash for at least 30 seconds. A medicated oral rinse kills harmful bacteria from areas you can’t reach with dental tools.
2. Routine dental visits
We recommend oral wellness visits at least six months or sooner for patients with a history of gum disease. Regular dental appointments involve:
- Oral check-ups: The dentist will carefully examine your gums for any signs of infection. These screenings are essential for catching gum disease early, allowing for prompt treatment before it progresses.
- Dental cleanings: The dentist will use special skills and tools to clean hard-to-reach areas of your teeth.
3. Nutrition
A good diet is key in protecting your smile from gum disease. A diet high in sugars and refined carbohydrates fuels the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, these bacteria feed on the sugars and produce acids that irritate the gums. Over time, this leads to plaque buildup along the gumline, causing the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis). To maintain healthy gums, limit sugary and processed foods. Instead, opt for a balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Quit tobacco use
Tobacco affects your smile in several ways. It promotes tooth discoloration and increases the risk of bad breath (halitosis). Tobacco also causes plaque buildup and dry mouth (xerostomia), which contribute to gum disease. Quit tobacco use of any form to improve your oral and systemic health.
5. Manage immune-suppressing conditions
Gum disease thrives in an environment of weakened immunity. Conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDs, and depression can compromise your immunity, making it harder to fight off infections like periodontitis. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or menopause can also increase inflammation, making gums more vulnerable to infections.
Managing these conditions gives you a better chance of fighting gum disease. We’ll also recommend frequent dental visits for early detection and treatment.
Gum disease is a chronic infection, and most people don’t realize they have it. Bleeding when brushing and persistent bad breath are usually the first warning signs. If untreated, it can lead to bone loss and eventually loose teeth. Gum disease is a risk factor to heart disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. We treat this using a laser procedure called LANAP. The laser removes infection deep under the gums and allows the tissue to heal around the teeth again. No cutting, no stitches. The earlier we treat it, the simpler it is. If you think you might have gum disease, click below to schedule a consultation.
Gum disease treatment near me
Do you need periodontal therapy in Manhattan Beach and the nearby locations? Call (310) 643-6004 and reserve your visit with Beachside Smiles.
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Dr. Don Mungcal
Dr. Don Mungcal is a highly regarded dentist based in Los Angeles, with over thirty years of experience. He graduated from UCLA, earned his dental degree with honors from the University of the Pacific Dental School, and was an instructor at USC Dental School. Dr. Mungcal's dedication to patient care has earned him recognition from the “Los Angeles Downtown News,” being named a Best Dentist in Downtown for four consecutive years. A respected member of the California Dental Society and other esteemed organizations, Dr. Mungcal actively participates in continuing education, staying updated on the latest advancements in dentistry.
