Page 50 - Prevention (February 2020)
P. 50
HEALTH
Problem Solved
Irritated Gums
BY RICHARD L ALIBERTE
PREVENT IT
ou know how to
maintain strong GO CRUNCHY
pearly whites, but Munching on hard raw vege-
Ywhat do you do about tables like carrots and celery
puffy red gums? When they’re scours gums and teeth, says
inflamed or receding, it’s often Neil J. Gajjar, D.D.S., president
a sign of gum disease—a of the Academy of General
condition that occurs when Dentistry. These foods are also
bacteria infect the area—but low in bacteria-feeding sugar.
47% factors like natural aging and FOLLOW A ROUTINE
poor dental hygiene can also
of Americans cause it. Over time, you may You should floss daily and
age 30 and develop issues like pain or brush at least twice a day, but
older have
some form of sensitivity or even lose teeth. nighttime brushing is especially
gum disease, Whatever the cause, it’s important. “The salivary glands
according important to tend to and are less active while you sleep,
to the Centers monitor your gums as diligently so your mouth becomes stag-
for Disease
Control and as you do your teeth: Strong nant and bacteria accumulate
Prevention. gums support, nourish, and even more,” says Richard Kao,
protect your chompers, and D.D.S., Ph.D., president of the
periodontal disease has been American Academy of Peri-
linked to health problems odontology. “You want to reduce
such as diabetes, heart disease, the bacterial count before turn-
osteoporosis, and cancer. ing in.” Brush gently to avoid
Mild gum disease (gingivitis) damaging the gumline.
is reversible, but more advanced
breakdown (periodontitis) GO TO THE DENTIST
requires treatment. Follow “No matter how good you are
these steps to keep your dental with dental hygiene, you’ll
foundation firm. still miss some spots,” Gajjar
46 PREVENTION.COM • F E B RUARY 2020
