Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, affects more than half of all American adults. Gum disease is progressive. Once it begins it will worsen over time if it is not treated and the consequences will become more severe. The best thing you can do for the health of your gums is to prevent periodontal disease before it starts.
Certain factors can increase your risk for periodontal disease. It is important to be aware of any risk factors that may make the disease more likely for you or your family. Risk factors can include:
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Diabetes
Poor oral hygiene
Heredity
Underlying immuno-deficiencies
Defective fillings or implants
Hormonal changes, including pregnancy and menopause
Inadequate nutrition or poor diet
The best method to prevent gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene habits. It is important to establish these habits early and to practice them consistently throughout life.
Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue twice a day for at least two minutes to remove bacteria and plaque. Make sure to use a fluoride toothpaste for maximum protection.
Floss at least once a day to remove bacteria and plaque that is beyond the scope of your toothbrush. Flossing helps to remove bacteria that hide in the spaces between teeth.
Using mouthwash helps to rinse food particles and bacteria from your mouth. Mouthwash can flow in between spaces in your teeth and at the gumline to help ensure a clean mouth. It is a good habit to use mouthwash at least once a day.
You should see your dentist every six months for a regular dental cleaning. This helps keep your teeth clean and healthy and allows your dentist to identify issues early and begin treatment before situations become severe.
Smoking greatly affects your dental health. Smokers are more than three times as likely to develop periodontal disease than non-smokers. Former smokers still have double the risk of those who don’t smoke. Smoking also makes it much more difficult for your gums to fight off an infection or to heal after they have been damaged.
Your diet affects your oral health. The sugar consumed in food and drinks feeds the bacteria in the mouth and on teeth. The more sugar you consume, the more the bacteria can grow. This bacteria aids in the development of tartar and plaque which can eventually result in periodontal disease.
Preventing gum disease is much more cost effective than having to treat it! The primary costs include items like toothbrushes, floss and toothpaste that are already essential for your overall health. You will also need to make sure you regularly visit your dentist, an expense that is often free with many dental insurance plans.
Periodontal disease is common and treatable but is it also preventable. Your Dentist of Bixby Knolls team wants to make sure you have all the tools you need to prevent or treat periodontal disease.
Call our office at (562) 287-5175 today to schedule your regular checkup and start preventing periodontal disease today!
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