Closeup Young Woman Flossing TeethPreventing the infection of your gums is an important benefit of adopting a rigorous daily oral health routine. Gum disease affects almost half of all adults across their lifetime and can cause many problems of which you may not be aware. Practicing regular brushing and attentive flossing techniques greatly reduces the threat of infection brought upon by deposits of bacteria between the teeth. The signs of poor periodontal health may be difficult to identify on your own. Our Riverside, CA dentist’s office can assist in evaluating your current gingival health as well as provide preventative services to enhance your at-home dental care routine. Furthermore, if we do discover a current periodontal infection, we can provide targeted care.

Protecting Your Periodontal Health At Home

The most important act you perform to ensure good tissue health  is your daily brushing and flossing routine. These behaviors, which also prevent enamel decay and cavity development, remove the bacteria that accumulate from your teeth. Remember that brushing alone is insufficient to clear all deposits, because floss reaches areas that the bristles of your brush simply cannot. When flossing, move the string in an up and down motion while applying pressure to the side of the tooth. Go all the way down to the gum, but be gentle to protect the soft tissues. If you have been skipping flossing lately, you may experience a slight amount of bleeding when beginning the habit again. If bleeding continues for over a week, schedule an appointment with your dentist, which can be a symptom of an existing infection.

Gum Disease Carries Serious Consequences

In its advanced stages, gum disease is the number one leading cause of tooth loss. As the infection deepens, the tissues of your teeth and jaw begin to separate. This results in loose teeth that become crooked and may eventually fall out. Jawbone material begins to disintegrate after tooth loss which may impair the ability to receive a dental implant when seeking to replace a lost tooth.

In addition to gingival bleeding, there are key signs that you may be experiencing an infection. Catching the warning signs early may help you reduce the amount of damage to your smile. Infected gums may become more sensitive or begin to swell. You may notice the tissue receding that reveals the underlying root of your tooth. Your breath may sour in the morning and throughout the rest of the day.

Speak With Your Riverside, CA Dentist About Healthy Gum Habits

For more information on keeping your gums strong or to identify an infection, reach out to any of our locations near you at the following:

Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.

Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.

Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest in Riverside, CA at (951) 776-9001.

Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.

Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.

Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.