Gum disease is a serious issue that can affect your health in many ways, which is why our Prospect dental clinic is here to help. Not only does it impact your oral health, but it can also have an impact on other systems, such as your heart and lungs. To prevent gum disease, you need to follow some guidelines to ensure you stay happy and healthy. In today’s article, we’ll go over some of these. 

Quit Smoking

Aside from the health benefits, quitting smoking can improve your relationships, boost your productivity, and broaden your social circle. Additionally, quitting can prevent the spread of the habit to your children. For this reason, it is important to quit smoking for gum disease prevention. 

Quitting smoking can prevent gum disease by improving your immune system and reducing your risk of oral cancer. Smokers also do not heal as quickly from periodontal treatment. Therefore, quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease and improve the results of treatment. It can also help prevent tooth loss. Some smokers experience darkened gum, known as “smoker’s melanosis.” While this is expected for smokers, it’s not an enjoyable thing for anyone. 

Those who have managed to quit smoking are congratulated on their efforts. However, it is important to remember that smoking can lead to other health problems, including mouth cancer. It can also damage the roots of your teeth, which can lead to tooth loss. Therefore, it is imperative to visit a Prospect dental clinic regularly and adhere to proper oral hygiene habits.

Avoid Grinding your Teeth

Grinding and clenching your teeth can lead to a variety of dental problems. It wears down the enamel of the teeth, exposing the deeper layers to cavities. Worn down teeth are also more prone to pain and sensitivity. It can also lead to headaches and fatigue in the jaw muscles. If you have these problems, you should consult a dentist to find a solution.

Those who suffer from clenching and grinding should make it a point to have a dentist examine them on a regular basis. A professional can detect if you’re clenching or grinding your teeth during the day. You can also try biofeedback to measure the muscle activity in your jaw and mouth.

Another way to prevent grinding and clenching is to wear a mouthguard. A custom-made dental night guard or bite guard is a good option. These mouthpieces can also help alleviate the pain and headache associated with teeth grinding.

Sometimes gum disease is unavoidable due to hereditary conditions, but there are ways to combat it. For more information on gum disease, including prevention and treatment, visit the rest of our website, or call today at 203-527-3855. We look forward to helping you schedule your next appointment with our Prospect dental clinic staff.