Tips To Prevent Gum Disease

A fantastic smile is our priority here at Arizona Smile Designers, but that goes beyond just aesthetics. Everyone deserves a beautiful smile, but more than that, everyone deserves a healthy smile. Our priority is providing high-quality dental care to families in the Cottonwood and Sedona Arizona areas to keep mouths healthy! Oral health extends past the teeth and into other areas of the mouth, such as the gums. Without proper care, gums can become irritated and inflamed, eventually causing gum disease.

 What Is Gum Disease

We offer many services at our office, including Periodontal care, which is just a fancy way of saying we care for our patients’ gums.  Gum disease is a result of bacteria making its way to the gums and creating issues. Early gum disease is known as gingivitis, and it comes with tender gums that bleed easily, bad breath, and inflammation. Gingivitis is fortunately reversible with proper care. However, left untreated it can pave the path toward periodontitis, a more severe and irreversible phase of gum disease. At that point, symptoms will become more intense and potentially lead to bone damage and tooth loss. The goal for us at Arizona Smile Designers is to never let it get that far! There are simple ways to prioritize your oral health and prevent gum disease.

 Proper Care Helps Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease sounds pretty terrible, right? Luckily, there are ways to prevent it:

  • Oral Hygiene: As with all things oral health-related, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is key! Brush your teeth at least twice a day, paying special attention to the gum line. Be sure to floss at least once daily to reach those pesky particles the toothbrush misses. Add an antimicrobial mouthwash to your routine for added protection. 
  • Dental Visits: Schedule and keep your routine dental check-up appointments. Request an appointment with Arizona Smile Designers now to start this healthy habit right away. Regular dental exams allow for professional cleaning as well as the chance for expert eyes to get a look inside your mouth. Early detection allows the opportunity for a course correction before extensive damage occurs. 
  • Watch Habits: Smoking and chewing tobacco increase your risk of gum disease by reducing blood flow and impairing gum healing. Quitting tobacco dramatically improves oral health.
  • Eat Healthy: A nutritional diet contributes to overall health, including your teeth and gums. Limit food and drinks that are high in sugar, and avoid things that are overly sticky, hard, or chewy. Boost your immune system by focusing on foods high in calcium and Vitamin C.
  • Hydrate Well: Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help your oral health by contributing to overall wellness. Additionally, water can help wash away food particles and bacteria that are hanging around. Hydration also helps saliva production which helps keep plaque from forming. 
  • Pay Attention: Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Take note if your gums start to feel sore, you notice some blood on your toothbrush, or anything else seems amiss. Contact the office if you notice any changes. 

 Keep Gums Healthy With Periodontal Care in Cottonwood AZ

The best way to prevent gum disease is by committing to a consistent, thorough oral hygiene routine. And, of course, by having the experts by your side! For those in the Cottonwood, Sedona, Camp Verde, and surrounding areas, a team of skilled experts offering a variety of dentistry services is within your reach.  

Schedule an appointment with Arizona Smile Designers to take control of your oral health, ensuring a healthy, happy smile free of gum disease. For your benefit, we offer different oral health financial plans