Periodontist Tips for Gum Disease Prevention

Our periodontist has lots of experience dealing with issues like gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of gum tissues caused by the bacteria inside plaque and tartar. These same bacteria form plaque as they feed on sugars in the mouth. It is a sticky film that coats teeth, and it turns into tartar when left on teeth for a few days.

Brushing and flossing help to remove plaque, but tartar needs to be scraped up with a scaler. Teeth cleanings are performed to get rid of tartar and plaque on teeth.

The first stage of gum disease – gingivitis – is reversible. Improving your oral hygiene and teeth cleanings can stop the infection in its tracks. Periodontitis, the second stage of gum disease, is a chronic condition that can only be managed with treatments. It has been linked with health issues like diabetes and heart disease, plus it leads to dental issues like teeth falling out and spaces forming between teeth.

Fortunately, a periodontist can carry out treatments like root scaling and planing, gum grafts, and missing teeth replacement to address the damage caused by periodontitis.

Our periodontist explains how to prevent gum disease

Gum disease is more likely to affect people over the age of 30. It is more than just an oral health issue due to chronic health issues like Chron’s disease. It can also ruin any smile since it leads to teeth falling due to damage to bone and soft tissues supporting them.

Simple things anyone can do to protect themselves against gum disease include:

1. Practice good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is an effective way to protect against dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay. It gets rid of plaque before it gets a chance to harden into tartar, and it removes bacteria from the mouth. Brushing and flossing also help to remove food particles left on teeth after meals, denying oral bacteria the food they need to create plaque and damage teeth.

Good oral hygiene includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once per day. Brushing before going to bed is particularly effective since it cleans the mouth before its most vulnerable time. Bacteria typically do more damage to teeth at night due to reduced saliva production.

2. Use an antibacterial mouthwash

Therapeutic mouthwash helps to lower bacteria populations in the mouth, protecting against gum disease. It also cleans areas brushing and flossing miss.

3. Visit a periodontist twice a year

Biannual dental visits give the dentist a chance to remove tartar deposits on teeth. Remember, brushing does not remove tartar, so it gets to accumulate on teeth between dental visits. These appointments also include examining the patient’s teeth and gums, looking for issues like gum disease. Early detection is critical since gingivitis can be reversed.