Preventing Gum Disease: Daily Habits, Risk Factors and Early Signs

This page is about preventing gum disease rather than treating it: what daily care does, what raises the risk, and which symptoms to know. The symptom list below is a set of things to notice, not a way to diagnose yourself. Treatment stage by stage is a separate subject, covered in gum disease treatment at each stage.

Plaque, tartar and the daily routine

Dental plaque, if it is not removed every day, can harden and form tartar, and only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar. One of the ways to keep gums and teeth healthy is brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research).

Early gum disease, caused by plaque buildup, can often be reversed by daily brushing and flossing (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research).

Risk factors

There are several risk factors for gum disease, and smoking or using tobacco products is the most significant (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research).

Early signs

Symptoms of gum disease include gums that may be red, swollen or tender, gums that may bleed easily, gums that may pull away from the teeth, loose or sensitive teeth, pain while chewing, and persistent bad breath (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research).

Next step

Our office is at 147 Main St, 2nd Floor, Lodi, NJ 07644, and Dr. Steven Liao is our dentist. To book a first visit, start on our first-visit page. We also have a page on routine checkups and cleanings.

Sources

• National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. "Periodontal (Gum) Disease." https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease