Understanding Root Canal Procedures

2 Habits That Cause Gum Disease

27 February 2015

Diane Mason

If you've ever had gum disease, you know that it can be a pain to deal with. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also lead to bad breath and loose teeth. For these reasons, it is important to prevent it any way you can. Below you will learn about some habits that can cause or exacerbate gum disease. You will also learn how to stop these habits if you wish to.

Smoking

You've no doubt heard that smoking can increase your chances of developing problems such as lung disease and cancer. However, you may not have heard that smoking also has an effect on your dental health. But the truth is that smoking can increase the amount of tartar and plaque in your mouth. This in turn may lead to the development of gum disease. In fact, periodontal disease is six times more likely to be present in a smoker than a nonsmoker.

So if you're a smoker, quitting the habit (or even reducing how often you do it) can do much for your oral health. To do so, you will want to enlist the help of friends or even a behavioral therapist. Certain medications may help with withdrawal symptoms, so be sure to talk with your doctor about them.

Failing To Floss

If you brush your teeth regularly, you may feel that your mouth is safe from developing gum disease. However, this may not be the case if you don't also floss. Why? Because flossing helps you reach areas that a toothbrush can't reach. Thus, if you only brush your teeth, you may be allowing plaque and bacteria to build up in certain areas of your mouth, increasing your risk of developing gum disease.

For these reasons, you will want to start flossing if you don't already. You may be discouraged from doing this if you experience bleeding gums, but you shouldn't let this problem deter you. Since bleeding gums are one sign of gum disease, it may be even more important to floss if you notice this sign. Also, it is common for gums to bleed after starting to floss. So if you experience this, don't fret. The bleeding should go away after a week or so, but if it doesn't, you should consult a dentist. You should also speak with a dentist if you're unsure if you're flossing properly.

Though the habits above can lead to gum disease, they are not the only ones that can do so. So for more advice on preventing the condition, be sure to ask your family dentist.

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