7 Ways to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is so pervasive today that the vast majority of American adults have it. You probably know it as gum disease or gingivitis. It’s a growing problem that can lead to losing teeth if it’s allowed to progress untreated. Beyond that, it can cause other health issues such as cardiovascular disease and even pneumonia.

Preventing gum disease in the first place is much better than trying to cure it after the fact, so this article is going to focus on ways to prevent it from developing. The staff at our Downey dentist office will also be more than happy to answer any other questions you have about periodontal disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue in your mouth. The human mouth is full of bacteria, and so is the sticky film called plaque that builds up on your teeth in between brushings. Plaque that isn’t removed by regular brushing hardens into tartar and can only be removed by a dental cleaning.

When this bacteria takes root in the gums around the teeth, the result is periodontal or gum disease. The mild stage of the disease is called gingivitis and is marked by irritation of the gums that may lead to soreness and bleeding after brushing and flossing. The gums may appear red and be swollen.

In more severe cases, the gums can recede from the teeth, leading to the need to remove them. The infection can also invade the roots and bones of the mouth and spread to the bloodstream.

Why Is Preventing Gum Disease So Important?

Periodontal disease is a progressive disorder. Once it gets started, it continues to worsen over time if it’s not properly treated. The gums go from being red and easily irritated to having pockets full of pus and blood that form around the teeth. These pockets slowly grow and pull away from the teeth as the infection spreads. As the gums recede, the teeth begin to loosen and eventually must be removed.

The infection can spread into the rest of the body, where it can cause heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and other serious health conditions. The good news is that early-stage periodontitis can be cured. The better news is that it can be prevented.

How Do I Prevent Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease can be prevented in almost all cases. Some people are more prone to develop it due to certain underlying health conditions. These include diabetes, HIV, and those on medications that suppress the immune system or cause dry mouth. Some people are also more susceptible genetically. Everyone can benefit from following proper prevention protocols, however.

1.) Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice A Day

Use a soft bristle brush and be careful to brush all of your teeth, particularly the back ones that have more crevasses to hold food. Use the brush around the gum line as well so plaque and tartar can’t build up around your gums. If you have trouble brushing for any reason, speak to your dentist at our Downey office about adaptable toothbrushes and other aids.

2.) Floss Daily

Food particles and bacteria tend to accumulate in the cracks between your teeth and around your gums. The best way to get them out is to floss every day. It doesn’t matter if you use regular floss or floss picks; the main thing is that you floss. If you don’t like regular floss or can’t use it, a Waterpik is a great alternative.

3.) Use Mouthwash at Least Once a Day

The final step in your daily oral hygiene regimen should be mouthwash. It helps kill any remaining bacteria in your mouth before it can form plaque or tartar. Use this once or twice a day for best results.

4.) Get Your Teeth Cleaned Twice a Year

Getting your teeth cleaned by a professional at least twice a year is another important step in preventing gum disease. Your dental hygienist can spot early-stage gum disease and having your teeth cleaned will prevent it from developing at all or getting worse if you already have it. It can be tempting to skip your cleanings -we understand that most people don’t like visiting the dentist -but it’s important to your oral health that you come in for cleanings at least every six months.

5.) Reduce Your Sugar Consumption

Sweet treats are nice, but the added sugar leads to increases in the bacteria levels in your mouth and increases your chances of developing gum disease (as well as other ailments like diabetes). Reducing your sugar intake is an effective way to lower your chances of developing periodontal disease.

6.) Quit Smoking

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for both your overall health and your oral health. Smokers are much more likely than nonsmokers to develop gum disease. Smoking lowers your immune system, making you more prone to infections in general, but the effect on the mouth is especially bad. Smoking also makes it harder for your gums to heal after they’re damaged. Kick the habit to kickstart your oral health.

7.) Get Treatment for Teeth Grinding

If you’re one of the millions of people who grind their teeth during the day or at night, you have an increased risk of gum disease. This is because the added pressure damages the connective tissues and bones in your mouth. If you grind during the day, there are things you can do to help yourself stop, but if you grind at night you need to get mouth guards to wear to bed to protect your teeth from damage.

Are You Worried About Having Gum Disease?

The best way to prevent it is to practice good oral hygiene and to visit our Downey dentist office regularly. Our goal is to maximize your dental health and we will do everything we can to prevent the development of gum disease and will treat it properly if it’s already present. We have highly trained and experienced staff well versed in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. We also offer flexible appointments to help fit your dental visits into your busy schedule.

See a specialist now to protect your oral health. Call Downey Dental Arts today at (562) 445-3363 to schedule an appointment.