Going to the dentist isn't any fun, but it is one of those things that just has to be done. For years, I fought the process and didn't go for my regular cleanings and in the end, it sure didn't pay to do so. I ended up spending ten times as much time in the chair and a boat-load of money in dental repairs. If you don't like going to the dentist, you can make it easier on yourself. This blog will show you a few tips that can help you improve the experience and get through the treatment without as much discomfort.
going to the dentist with less anxiety
The Dangers of Gum Disease and How to Prevent It
Jordan Arnold
Gum disease is one of the more serious oral health issues, and it affects many people. In fact, 47.2 percent of American adults who are 30 or over have gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you have red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you may have this oral health condition and should see your dentist as soon as possible. Gum disease can lead to serious health problems, so you should not take it lightly.
What Are the Dangers of Gum Disease?
Loose Teeth: If your gums are receding, they can eventually pull away from your teeth. This can loosen your teeth and cause them to fall out. Missing teeth do not just affect your appearance; they can also make eating and talking a lot more challenging.
Heart Disease: Gum disease can also harm your heart. When you have gum disease, bacteria may be able to travel to your bloodstream and accumulate in the heart's blood vessels, increasing your risk of clogs, according to Colgate.
Premature Labor: If you are pregnant and have gum disease, it can have an effect on your unborn baby. According to Know Your Teeth, bacteria can cause your body to produce prostaglandins, which may increase your risk of delivering your baby prematurely.
How Do You Prevent Gum Disease?
The idea of getting gum disease is pretty scary, so you want to try your best to prevent it in the first place. Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this oral health disease:
Include Vitamin C in Your Diet: Vitamin C will not just keep the cold and flu away; it can also protect against gum disease. When you eat foods rich in vitamin C, you can improve your immune system and prevent bacteria from accumulating on your gums. Good sources of this vitamin include kiwis, papaya, strawberries, and oranges.
Quit Smoking: Smoking tobacco can harm many parts of your body, including your gums. When you smoke, you can weaken your immune system and make it a lot more difficult for your gums to fight off bacteria. Ask your doctor for advice about quitting this harmful habit.
Use a Tongue Scraper: Brushing and flossing will likely not get all of the bacteria out of your mouth. A lot of bacteria can actually accumulate on your tongue throughout the day and make its way to your gums. That is why using a tongue scraper every day is so important. This little device will remove plaque and bacteria from your tongue and keep your entire mouth healthy.
Consider Getting Braces: If your teeth are misaligned, it can make flossing much more difficult. If you can't floss between your teeth properly, your gums are more likely to get infected. Getting braces can straighten your teeth and make it easier to floss between them. If you do not feel comfortable wearing metal braces, you should talk to your orthodontist about getting Invisalign braces.
Get Control of Your Stress: Excessive stress can suppress your body's immune system and make it more difficult to fight off gum infections. Make an effort to reduce your stress before it affects your oral health. Do relaxing activities, such as meditation or yoga, and ask for hep when you feel overwhelmed.
Taking good care of your oral health will lower your chances of developing gum disease. If you still get this oral health disease, there are several treatment options available. If your gum disease is in the early stages, your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning. If the disease has progressed, it may be necessary to have flap surgery or bone grafts. Speak with a representative from an office like Village Family Dental to learn more.
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