4 Ways To Avoid Gum Disease And Premature Tooth Loss
Posted on: 17 September 2015
Gum disease and premature tooth loss run in your family. Now you're concerned that you'll lose your teeth prematurely and require dental implants too. Before you panic, it's important for you to know that heredity doesn't guarantee you'll lose your teeth or suffer from the same dental problems. In fact, there are some simple things you can do to avoid gum disease and tooth loss.
Don't Skip the Dental Visits
This is the most important part of any dental care routine. If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you have to visit your dentist at least twice a year. Tartar and plaque can build up under the gum line and create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and gum disease.
During your dental visits, the dentist will clean below the gum line to get rid of the plaque and tartar. If you know that gum disease runs in your family, you should have them document that in your dental chart. That way, your dentist can provide additional preventative care.
Swish With Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural treatment for gum disease. However, if used as a preventative treatment, you can reduce the chances of developing gum disease. Simply fill a glass with warm water and add two or three drops of tea tree oil. Swish small amounts of the solution around in your mouth and then spit it out in the sink. Repeat the process until you've used all the water in the glass. Repeat this treatment several times a week.
Increase Your Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that your gum tissue needs to stay healthy. Proper levels of the antioxidant help your gum tissue regenerate and fight off infection. Foods such as fish, beef and various nuts are a natural source of coenzyme Q10. You can also find coenzyme Q10-enriched toothpastes at most health food stores.
Avoid Nicotine
If you have a genetic risk for developing gum disease, you should avoid products containing nicotine – such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco and pipe tobacco. Research has shown that nicotine increases your risk of developing periodontal disease, which is the leading cause of premature tooth loss in adults.
If gum disease runs in your family, you need to take extra precautions when it comes to dental care. The tips provided above will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you develop symptoms of gum disease – such as redness, swelling or bleeding of your gums, you need to speak to your dentist as soon as possible. If you do happen to suffer from tooth loss, visit Milan Simanek, D.D.S. & Associates.
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