Minimizing Your Risk For Gum Disease

You can approach the dental issue of gum disease in several different ways. You can wait until it becomes a problem then go looking for treatment and cures. You can also take a pro-active approach and stop it before it happens. This involves looking at various aspects of your life including diet, stress levels, tobacco use and hormonal stage. Only by recognizing risk factors can you minimize your chance of gum disease.

Common Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk than other people are of getting gum or periodontal disease if you fit the description of any or all of these factors:

• You are a smoker – smoking increases the chances of bacterial build-up in your mouth and, therefore, gum disease
• You eat a diet high in sugar and preservatives. Sugar will eat away at your enamel providing food for bacteria. The result is tooth decay and gum disease
• Women who are undergoing various hormonal stage-of-life changes are more susceptible to gum disease. This is a warning for women who are reaching puberty or are in menopause, menstruating or pregnant, to take special efforts in caring for their teeth
• If you are in a stressful situation, you are more readily a target for gum disease as well as other health problems. Stress decreases the ability of the body’s immune system to fight off periodontal gum diseases including gingivitis.

The Highest Risk Factor
Yet, even if an individual pays attention to these risks factors and is aware of others e.g. genetics, he or she may still fall prey to gum disease. The reason for this is simple – a lack of proper and thorough oral hygiene. If you do not daily brush, floss and rinse, you are still a candidate for gum disease. If you neglect to take proper care of your teeth, you will really need to see a doctor for treatment later.

How Do I Minimize All the Risks?
The answer to this question is simple: “A daily practice of oral hygiene.” The following steps are important ones to take if you want to stop this disease in its tracks.

• Brush your teeth daily – preferably twice, following meals. This removes plaque – one case of gum disease. Select a toothbrush and toothpaste suitable for your teeth and mouth. Decide whether a commercial or natural toothpaste, such as OraMD, is best suited to your needs
• Floss daily
• Rinse your mouth using a germ killing, alcohol free mouthwash
• Have a dental professional clean your teeth at least once a year

Conclusion
If you want to avoid gum disease, rather than get rid of it after it starts, you need to recognize the risks involved and any symptoms of gingivitis. Understand that it is better to not treat but to stop it. Be proactive by instituting a proper hygiene regime. This is better than any remedy.