What is gum disease and how to prevent it? Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused when bacteria in plaque builds up between the gums and teeth. If bacteria begins to grow, the gums surrounding the teeth can become red and inflamed.

If you are not seeing your dentist on a regular basis, then this inflamed redness of your gums can cause the gums and bone structure to deteriorate. This can lead to gum recession or even tooth loss. In addition, gum disease has been linked to other diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. One way to prevent periodontal disease is to see your dentist on a regular basis of 2-3 times per year. Periodontal disease is preventable and if you add these good habits to your daily routine, you have a good chance that you will prevent periodontal disease.

1. Brush your teeth on a regular basis, preferrably, every time after eating. Brushing after meals helps remove food particles and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. A good rule of thumb when brushing is to not forget about the tongue, bacteria usually builds up on the tongue.
2. Floss at least twice a day. Brushing your teeth 3 times a day will only geta majority of the food particles and debris from your teeth and gums. one way to ensure you are getting a complete cleaning is to floss after each brushing. There is usually small particles stuck between your teeth and the floss is the best way to get those small particles removed.
3. Mouthwash is a great way to finish brushing your teeth. Once you’ve brushed and flossed, rinse your mouth with mouthwash and you will help reduce plaque as well as small particles you may have missed with the toothbrush or floss.
4. Visit your dentist 2-3 times per year to get the professional cleaning that you can’t get at home. Every year, your dentist should be checking your teeth and gums. The Vartanian Dental Group will give you that thorough cleaning you need to keep a healthy mouth. The Vartanian Dental Group will look at our teeth, plaque levels, gums, your bite, bone structure and other risk factors that can cause periodontal disease.

Your age, smoking, your diet and genetics can all play a role in your increasing your risk for periodontal disease. Remember good oral health usually means your overall health is good too. Don’t take your mouth, teeth and gums for granted. once you are an adult, you only have one set of teeth and gums, so let’s take good care of them! If you are looking for a trusted dentist that cares about your overall health, rather than seeing how much they can bill the insurance company.=, then the Vartanian Dental Group in Mission Viejo should be your only choice for dentistry in Orange County! Conveniently located off La Paz exit at the 5 Frwy, we are just a few minutes from anywhere in Orange County. Give our office a call at 949-586-5669 and schedule your first appointment. We accept most insurance companies and are in network with most insurance companies. Before you go anywhere else, Call Dr James Vartanian and his staff will be happy to give you the proper evaluation you deserve.