Learn the Three Things You Might Be Doing That Could Significantly Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease

Trust your local dentist when we tell you that no one wants to get gum disease. The problem is often than some people do not know what they are doing to increase their chance of getting gum disease. Read on to get the facts and then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with a California dentist.

1. Avoiding Flossing
Many people are told by their dental hygienist that they need to floss more. They agree and nod but do not change their ways. If your gums are bleeding during exams, then this is a sign that you are not flossing well enough or often enough. Flossing is just as important as brushing because it gets rid of bacteria between your teeth and your gumline. If you avoid flossing, you are allowing that bacteria to run rampant and are significantly increase your chance of getting gum disease.
2. Skipping Dental Appointments
You are at a higher risk of having gum disease if you do not visit the dentist regularly. Why? Because at your dental cleaning and exam, we remove plaque and tartar. If they are allowed to build up, they significantly increase your chances of developing gum disease. Know as well that if you do develop gum disease, if we catch it early enough it is actually easy to treat, but if you skip dental appointments and do not find out you have gum disease until it has progressed, then you will have a more difficult time getting rid of it.
3. Smoking
If you need another reason to quit smoking, consider your oral health one of them. Many people do not realize that smoking can actually increase a person’s chances of getting gum disease. It is well known that smoking stains the teeth and can result in a smile that no one is proud of. It can also cause gums to recede, which can eventually lead to the loss of teeth. The truth is that the long-term consequences of smoking are significant for your teeth.

You Do Not Have to Get Gum Disease

The fact of the matter is that gum disease is extremely common. As a result, some people assume that it is not a big deal or that it can be easily treated. If it is caught early, it can usually be treated fairly easily. On the other hand, if it is left to fester, it can be expensive and painful to treat. Likewise, just because many people have it does not mean that everyone will get it or has to get it. Visiting your dentist regularly, brushing and flossing, and not using tobacco products can all significantly reduce the chance that you will end up with gum disease.