How Do You Prevent Gum Disease?
November 8, 2017
According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Without treatment, gum disease has been linked to discomfort and a greater risk of adult tooth loss. How do you prevent gum disease? What actions can you take to protect your smile?
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventing Gum Disease
Question: What factors can lead to the disease?
Answer: The problem begins initially as inflammation, which can be caused by poor oral hygiene, smoking or tobacco use, family history, or an inflammatory illness. When the inflammation remains untreated, then the gums can pull away from the teeth, forming pockets at the gum line for bacteria to infiltrate. Soon, periodontal disease can form.
Question: How do I recognize the warning signs?
Answer: Look for any sudden changes in your gums, such as redness, soreness, or bleeding when your brush or floss. See your dentist as soon as possible. Remember, inflammation, also known as gingivitis, can be reversed. But gum disease cannot, and must instead be managed to protect you from periodontitis, the advanced stage responsible for adult tooth loss.
Question: What is a periodontal cleaning?
Answer: Also known as a deep cleaning, this is when we perform a scaling and root planing to remove plaque buildup from the teeth and roots. Doing so can reduce inflammation and help close deep periodontal pockets, improving your smile’s health.
Question: What steps do you take at home?
Answer: At home, you can help prevent the disease by brushing twice a day (for two minutes each time) and flossing each night before bed. These steps help limit how much plaque can accumulate on the teeth in between dental cleanings. You should be scheduling a cleaning every six months to remove all plaque from your smile. You should also avoid smoking or other tobacco products.
Do You Need a Periodontal Cleaning?
We can discuss possible solutions to your gum health problems, including a scaling and root planing. To schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.