Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common dental issues in adults. Afflicting 3 out of 4 people, it’s the main reason for tooth loss after the age of 35. Daily brushing and flossing as well as regular dental examinations, are your best bet against the disease. However, even with proper care gum disease can still develop, and once it begins professional help will be necessary to stop it from evolving.

Higson Dental Group wants to help keep your gums pink and plump! Certain habits and behaviours can further irritate your gums. To help maintain a healthy mouth, try to refrain from tobacco usage, stress, clenching and grinding teeth, certain medications and poor nutrition.

Periodontal Disease and Tobacco

Tobacco has negative side effects on overall well-being and is linked with lung and heart disease and various cancers. Research has also shown that smokers and tobacco users have more severe periodontal diseases than non-smokers. They show more intense tartar on teeth, deeper spaces between gums and severe bone and connective tissue loss in the areas that hold teeth in place. As well, tobacco increases the chance of developing oral cancer.

If you are treated for periodontal disease, but you still continue to smoke, the chemicals found in tobacco, like nicotine and tar, can negatively impact the healing process. Your mouth and body would experience significant benefits by quitting the use of tobacco.