Hopefully, you’re not actively seeking to lose a tooth (unless tooth extraction is necessary for the good of your oral health). Given the fact that gum disease, which is the leading cause of permanent tooth loss, affects over 70% of adults in America, many of us don’t do as much as we can to prevent tooth loss, either. Your Austin dentist, Dr. Steven Van Wicklen, explains how neglect and inaction can allow gum disease opportunity it needs to cost you one or more teeth.
Skip a Brushing and Flossing Now and Then
Gum disease typically develops as a result of poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice every day helps control the buildup of dental plaque and the population of bacteria that forms it. With enough time, plaque can harden (calcify) into tartar, a more stubborn substance that can’t be removed with a toothbrush and floss. As bacteria continue to gather, they can threaten your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Skipping the toothbrush and floss now and then may not seem very harmful, but only because you may not notice the dangers until months later, when the damages from advancing dental disease become apparent.
Ignore the Warning Signs
Do you notice a little bleeding when you brush and floss your teeth? Usually, bleeding gums don’t hurt and can be mistakenly ignored as unimportant. What they indicate, however, is a bacterial infection called gingivitis, which inflames and destroys your gum tissue as it progresses into gum disease. Ignoring your troubled gums is all you have to do to allow gum disease to destroy the gums and jawbone that support your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Beat Gum Disease and Keep Your Teeth with Help from Your Austin Dentist
If you’d prefer to prevent or treat gum disease and keep your teeth, then be sure to brush and floss at least twice a day, as well as attending your dental checkup and cleaning at least once every six months. More frequent visits may be required if your gums are especially vulnerable. To learn more, schedule an appointment with your Austin dentist by calling 512-448-3131. Located in the 78704 area, we proudly serve the cities of Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Bastrop, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and all surrounding communities.