Many American adults experience periodontal disease (gum disease) to some degree, at some point in their lives. Although it’s not an uncommon condition, it’s also highly preventable with the right dental hygiene routine. If you think you may be experiencing gum disease and are searching for an experienced Denver dentist to help you get your oral health back on track, please call DeWitt Dental Associates at 303-321-5656.

Common Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by the bacteria contained in plaque. Plaque is the filmy substance in your mouth that builds up on your teeth and gums. Without proper teeth and gum cleaning, and regular general dentistry services, the bacteria in plaque persist and begin to irritate your gums and eat away at the enamel of your teeth. As your gums become irritated and inflamed, a condition known as gingivitis causes your gums to swell and bleed easily. This is the earliest stage of gum disease. It can progress if left untreated, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and eventually leading to destruction of the tissue and bone supporting your teeth.

There are several factors that increase your risk for gum disease, including:

  • Poor dental hygiene
  • Smoking
  • Family history of gum disease
  • Diet lacking vitamins and minerals
  • Certain health conditions that weaken your immune system

There are ways to identify and manage your risk factors to maintain excellent gum health. Our experienced dentists are committed to helping each of our patients reach their oral health goals, and we can monitor your gums for early signs of periodontal disease so that it can be stopped before it worsens.

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Gum Disease Prevention

When it comes to dental health, Benjamin Franklin’s statement that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is quite true. Prevention is the best way to avoid gum disease. Here are the main preventive measures:

  • Routine professional dental cleanings: Dental cleanings with our hygienists every six months are essential to promoting gum health. Your hygienist reduces plaque and hardened plaque (tartar) on your teeth that you cannot remove with a toothbrush or floss.
  • Routine dental exams: During your routine dental exam, our dentists will look for any signs of gum disease or poor gum health. With regular monitoring by our dentists, we can prevent gum problems in the first place and halt the progress of any existing gum problems.
  • Brushing and flossing: Your at-home dental hygiene routine is one of the most important preventive measures because it takes place daily. Brush your teeth on all of the surfaces to remove plaque and food debris. Flossing your teeth once a day is very important because it removes the debris stuck between your teeth where your toothbrush bristles cannot reach.
  • Health and lifestyle: Talk to our dentists about how you can adopt healthy habits to promote gum health. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your gums, and your whole body. You can also incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods into your diet, and reduce the amount of sugary, processed foods you eat.

Our dentists utilize advanced teeth cleaning techniques and laser dentistry to combat the bacteria irritating your gums.

If you are searching for an experienced Denver dentist to help you achieve and maintain great gum health, please contact DeWitt Dental Associates to schedule a consultation at our Cherry Creek office. You can also call us at 303-321-5656.