Attention, Teens – You’re Not Immune to Gum Disease

Gum disease isn’t just a problem for adults. If you’re a teen who doesn’t practice good dental care habits, you could end up with problems like foul breath or painful toothaches. If you neglect your gums long enough, you may even lose your teeth. There’s no need to panic if you have a few mild symptoms. If you’re covered under a dental insurance plan, it should be easy to find an affordable dentist by contacting your local family dentistry clinics. With good dental care, early signs of gum disease can be reversed. If your gums are in trouble, you probably have one or more of the following symptoms or risk factors.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Red, sore or swollen gums
• Gums that pull away from teeth
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth

Risk Factors for Teen Gum Disease

• Inconsistent oral hygiene
• Tobacco use
• Inherited tendency
• Diet high in sugar and starch
• Female gender
• Diabetes
• Braces

Stop Gum Disease in Its Tracks

You can do a lot to prevent the progression of gum disease. Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, floss daily, eat a healthy diet, and see your family dentistry expert regularly. If you already have advanced gum disease, your dentist can treat it in several ways. Scaling or root planing is a deep-cleaning process that removes the irritating, bacteria-laden plaque and tartar that’s responsible for gum inflammation. If infection is present, antibiotics or medicated rinses or gels will help kill bacteria. In severe cases, gum surgery can correct diseased gum tissues and restore your healthy smile.

To learn about our family dentistry practice in Owings Mills, call Valley Dental Associates today at (443) 898-1240 or make an appointment.