Tips for Preventing Periodontal Disease
The team at Brooklyn Heights Dental® is here to help you smile with renewed confidence. In addition to having a skilled general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist, we also have an experienced periodontist at the office to help address various issues that affect the gums.
We'd like to take this opportunity to look at periodontal disease and how it can be prevented. By using these tips below, you can rest easy with a smile on your face.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease refers to the infection and inflammation of the gum tissue. It's caused by the same bacteria in the mouth responsible for tooth decay and bad breath. If gum disease progresses to advanced stages, it can lead to serious welling and damage to the gumline, gum recession, tooth loss, and the spread of infection to other parts of the mouth.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
There are three stages of periodontal disease:
- Advanced periodontitis
It's much easier to treat gum disease in its earlier stages, which is why prevention is always ideal when it comes to improving and maintaining dental health.
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Brushing your teeth regularly helps remove food particles and plaque from your teeth, which in turn prevents gum disease as well as tooth decay. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Ideally, you'll want to consider brushing your teeth after every meal.
Floss Your Teeth Regularly
Flossing your teeth helps you access those hard-to-reach spaces between your teeth and at the back of the mouth. Your should floss your teeth at least once a night. Like brushing, however, it's a good idea to floss after every meal.
Avoid Using Tobacco Products
Smoking and the use of chewing tobacco have a negative effect on your overall health and wellness. In addition to increasing your risk of oral cancer, they can also make gum disease and gum recession more likely. Consider this another good reason to quit.
Eat a Healthy and Well-Balanced Diet
You are what you eat, or so the old saying goes. A poor diet that is high on junk food and low on fresh fruits and vegetables can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious health issues. Be sure to eat a well-balanced diet and to avoid snacking on sugary foods and empty calories.
Stay Hydrated with Water
Keeping your mouth moist is one way to prevent gum disease from developing or from progressing too quickly. Stay hydrated through the day by drinking water. It can help you feel refreshed and improve your dental health as well.
Visit Your Dental for Regular Checkups
There's a reason you visit your dentist twice a year. Regular checkups allow you to get the professional help you need when you need it most. Don't skip your regular dental visits every six months. If you're overdue, schedule one today.
Learn More About Preventative Dental Care
If you would like more information about preventing gum disease and improving your overall dental health and wellness, be sure to contact the dentists at Brooklyn Heights Dental® today. Our entire team is here to help you smile with renewed confidence.