Are Your Gums Risking Your Health? Top 5 Ways to Prevent Periodontal Disease.

Do you have bad breath that just won’t go away? Or maybe you’ve noticed some bleeding after brushing and flossing? Is it just you or do your teeth really seem…longer? If these odd changes in your oral health have been plaguing you, you may want to make an appointment with your dentist– because it could be periodontal disease. 

WHAT IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or in the early stages it can go by gingivitis, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Sounds super fun right? 

WHAT CAUSES PERIODONTAL DISEASE? 

This bothersome gum infection typically arises from poor brushing and flossing habits. When plaque– a sticky film of bacteria- accumulates on your teeth, it builds up and hardens triggering an inflammatory response in your gums. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth, tooth loss, and even other serious health problems. Healthy gums lay a solid foundation for good oral health– and healthy gums shouldn’t bleed regularly.

Periodontal disease is extremely common– more than half of Americans age 30 and older have periodontitis, an advanced form of periodontal disease. Believe it or not, that’s around 64.7 million Americans! (Are you in the majority?)

RADIUS’ award winning eco-friendly oral care line is perfect for preventing periodontal disease. With our innovative brushes, tasty organic toothpastes, and travel flosses- your smile and the planet will benefit greatly. 

*If you’re noticing blood on your toothbrush or floss frequently, talk with your dentist. 

SYMPTOM OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE:

Periodontal disease can present itself in a few easy to notice ways such as:

• Bleeding or sore gums
• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gum line or longer looking teeth
• Painful chewing
• Tooth loss

WHO IS AT RISK FOR GETTING PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Plaque buildup is the primary cause of periodontal disease; however, other issues can contribute to this bothersome oral issue as well. 

• Crooked teeth create the perfect environment for plaque buildup because they are more difficult to clean thoroughly.

• Smoking can do more harm than good to your smile. Smoking actually alters the normal function of gum tissue cells and makes your mouth much more vulnerable to infection. Smoking can also weaken your gums’ defense system and slow down recovery times.

• Shifting hormones such as periods or pregnancy heighten your hormones and cause the gums to become more susceptible to periodontal disease. If your pregnant, or experiencing a typical monthly menstrual cycle, you may notice an increase in your gums’ sensitivity or some bleeding.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE?

Gum disease is nothing to write home about and can cause many unpleasant side-effects that you, and others, may start to notice. Such as bad breath, swollen, bleeding, or tender gums and even tooth loss. Also, scientists are now able to link periodontal disease with other serious health issues such as:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Dementia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Premature birth

Scientists believe these aliments emerge due to oral bacteria escaping into the bloodstream and injuring major organs. Inflammation can also play a huge role in contributing to periodontal disease.

HOW IS PERIODONTAL DISEASE TREATED?

The most crucial step in treating periodontal disease is to NOT ignore it and hope it goes away. Sure, a little blood in the sink every now and then may seem harmless and easy to write off, but if the issue persists, you need to talk to your dentist to identify the root cause. 

Your dentist may recommend you improve your daily oral care routine and add antiseptic mouthwash in the mix as well. If pockets of bacteria have formed around the teeth and your gums are beginning to pull away from the teeth, a deep cleaning with your dentist or periodontist (a dentist who specializes in gum disease) may be suggested. 

TOP 5 WAYS TO PREVENT PERIODONTAL DISEASE:

Yeah we agree, periodontal disease sounds like anything but fun. BUT there are ways to prevent it from ever dampening your oral care lifestyle. 

We have a few tips that will help you steer clear of bacteria build up on your teeth and gums. 

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft, rounded-tip bristled toothbrush. Pay particular attention to the space where the gums and teeth meet. (More on the BEST oral care brush on the market for periodontal disease in a moment– we may know a guy…) 
• Floss between teeth AT LEAST once a day to remove food particles and bacteria. (Don’t skip this one– your dentist will know.)
• Use an antibacterial mouth rinse to reduce bacteria that cause plaque and gum disease. (And freshens breath!)
• See your dentist or oral hygienist every 6 months for a checkup and teeth cleaning. (You’ll become fast pals in no time.)

RADIUS SAVES THE DAY– AND YOUR GUMS! 

Now you know all about periodontal disease. But I bet you didn’t know a traditional toothbrush actually saws away at your gum line. (Yeah you read that right, saws…ouch!) 

A standard toothbrush design encourages a side to side sawing motion which slowly dissolves your gum line– making you more susceptible to gum disease. 

However, our Forever Brush is designed to fit better in your hand, whether you're a righty or lefty, reducing pressure on your gums and your risk for periodontal disease. 

How?

The cutting-edge design works at a medically optimal angle for ample plaque removal to prevent build up. And our brushes have 3x the bristles, made with polished vegetable based nylon, to reduce tooth abrasions and gum recession.

There’s a reason why our toothbrushes are considered the best eco-friendly brushes on the market. They are not only gentle on your gums but the environment too!

Our landfill-friendly toothbrushes are plant based, biodegradable, BPA free, and USDA certified. The cutting-edge design was specifically made with periodontal disease prevention in mind! (Does your other toothbrush care this much?)

Sure, a standard toothbrush may get the job done– at the most basic level. But why suffer through swollen tender gums and bad breath if you don’t have to? RADIUS aims to help you in all stages of your oral care journey – from tiny tots to adults… and of course our furry pups too!

Ditch tender bleeding gums and take on a fresh bright smile you and the planet will love! Grab your new favorite toothbrush here. 

RADIUS– for you and your gums too!