Gum disease is an insidious threat to your oral and overall health, and it can be imperceptibly small when it starts out. While your dentist can address soft tissue infections with appropriate periodontal treatments, it is far preferable to prevent these problems with excellent oral care habits. Here’s a quick look at how gum disease works and how consuming products containing probiotics may help you prevent it.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an oral infection that begins as mild soft tissue inflammation called gingivitis. While gingivitis can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene, it will eventually develop into a destructive infection called periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis causes permanent damage such as gum recession, jawbone erosion, and tooth loss, and it can eventually lead to oral gangrene that can cause dangerous secondary infections like sepsis. Risk factors for gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Excessive consumption of sugars and acids
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Being male
- Age
- Health conditions such as pregnancy and diabetes
Can Probiotics Help Prevent Gum Disease?
Probiotics are benign bacteria that are naturally found in many foods and beverages, especially fermented items like kombucha and kimchi. These microbes can help the body break down food and produce chemicals that aid it in processes like digestion. In the mouth, probiotic bacteria can compete with harmful germs for nutrients and space, which can help deprive these destructive microbes of the resources they need to multiply and cause painful infections.
How Else Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Of course, your first line of defense against gum disease and other oral infections will always be your daily dental hygiene regimen. To keep your mouth healthy, keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
- Limit your intake of sweets and acidic foods and beverages.
- Drink plenty of water to help flush away harmful agents and remain hydrated enough for adequate saliva flow.
- Chew sugar-free gum after eating or drinking anything but water.
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.
Don’t let gum disease wreck your gorgeous smile and leave you with bad breath. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your grin in great shape.
About the Practice
Dental Associates of Delaware offers the finest oral healthcare in Brandywine, Hockessin, Middletown, Wilmington, Millsboro, and Ocean View. Led by Drs. Erik Bradley, Caterina Carafides, Richard S. D’Antonio, Christopher J. Tai, and Amanda M. Golshiri, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys exemplary dental health services in a warm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about gum disease, contact our practice online.