Periodontal disease (gum disease) is one of those dental conditions that starts slowly but can lead to serious complications if left unchecked. In its early stage (gingivitis), you may only notice a slight amount of bleeding when brushing or some mild gum irritation, nothing major.
As it progresses, however, it can damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. Once it reaches that stage, reversing the damage becomes a lot more difficult.
Everyday habits, such as failing to floss, brushing too gently (or not enough), or avoiding regular dental visits, can add up over time. Because the early symptoms are so easy to miss, many people don’t realize they’re developing periodontal disease until it’s advanced.
That’s why prevention is critical, but doable, with a few consistent habits and professional support.
At LivWell Dentistry in San Francisco and San Ramon, California. Dr. Wenli Loo and Dr. Steve Deng prioritize catching gum issues early, educating patients about their risks, and creating prevention plans that fit their lifestyle.
Whether you’re someone who’s never had a cavity or someone who knows their gums need attention, LivWell Dentistry is the place to go to stay ahead of periodontal disease. Here are four simple ways to do so.
Brushing and flossing daily remain the most effective ways to avoid gum disease. Brushing twice a day removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, while flossing reaches the spaces between your teeth and just under the gumline, where gum disease begins.
If you’re brushing but not flossing, you’re missing almost half the surface area in your mouth. And if you’re doing both but rushing through them, you may not be doing enough to remove the bacteria that lead to plaque buildup. Over time, that plaque hardens into tartar, which can’t be removed at home.
Even if your gums feel fine, routine dental visits are necessary. That’s because some of the earliest signs of gum disease, like pocket formation between the teeth and gums, can only be spotted by a trained eye or with the right diagnostic tools.
At LivWell Dentistry, the team uses these appointments to track changes in your gum health and catch potential problems before they become painful or expensive. These visits also give you the chance to ask questions, get advice, and ensure your home care is working as it should.
Diets high in sugar, processed foods, or acidic drinks can feed the bacteria that lead to plaque and inflammation. On the flip side, a balanced diet that includes whole foods, leafy greens, crunchy fruits, and plenty of water supports better gum health.
Drinking water regularly also helps flush out food particles and bacteria, especially if you can’t brush immediately after meals. If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting is one of the most critical steps you can take. Smoking not only increases your risk of periodontal disease but also makes it harder for your gums to heal if you’re already experiencing symptoms.
Many people wait until gum disease becomes painful before they act. Treating symptoms early makes all the difference. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, feel tender or puffy, or seem to be pulling away from your teeth, don’t ignore those symptoms.
Even something as simple as persistent bad breath can be a sign of bacteria buildup beneath the gumline. The earlier you bring those symptoms to your dentist’s attention, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.
Gum disease is common, but it’s also avoidable. Brush and floss every day, see your dentist twice a year, cut down on sugar, quit smoking, and don’t ignore early symptoms.
At LivWell Dentistry, you’ll get more than a cleaning; you’ll get a long-term plan for keeping your gums and teeth healthy. If you’re seeing signs of gum trouble or just want to make sure everything’s on track, schedule your appointment online or call us at 415-477-3700 today.
