Our team knows that the onset of periodontal disease could mean uncomfortable symptoms and over time, the risk of adult tooth loss. But you can take actions to help prevent the onset of the disease and protect your gum health. In today’s blog, your Sunny Smiles team talks about avoiding the onset of periodontal disease!
The Causes of the Disease and The Impacts
What causes gum disease? The trouble starts with gingivitis, or gum inflammation, which can be brought on by factors like plaque buildup. Plaque and tartar coat the teeth and irritate the gum tissues, and the buildup is often the result of a diet high in sugar and poor brushing and flossing habits. Other factors include tobacco use, a family history of the disease, inflammatory illnesses, and the use of certain medications. Without treatment, the inflammation grows until gums pull away from the teeth to form pockets for disease-causing bacteria to enter. You then develop the disease and need care to manage it to avoid issues like tooth loss. But often, good oral hygiene lowers your risk significantly!
Preventing The Disease at Home
At home, watch what you eat or drink. Cutting back on the sugar and starch in your diet can deprive harmful oral bacteria or a meal, limiting the risk of periodontal troubles and also tooth decay too. Be sure you brush in the morning and evening for two minutes each session, and use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush too. Also, floss every evening before you brush that second time. These actions help remove stray food and drink particles to limit the severity of plaque and keep your smile strong. Be sure you avoid tobacco products too!
Dental Cleanings
We also help you avoid the disease with routine visits every six months. When you see us for a checkup, we can clean your teeth with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool, which will gently and thoroughly break up and remove plaque and tartar buildup. We then polish the teeth to limit the severity of buildup before we see for your next cleaning. If you have warning signs or risk factors for the disease, we may suggest a deep cleaning that removes the buildup from your teeth and roots too, which is a more involved procedure that makes the early stages of the disease manageable. Afterward, traditional cleanings may be provided every three to four months.
If you have any questions about avoiding the onset of periodontal disease, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Need Help With Gum Health?
Our team wants to help your smile stay healthy and whole for years to come with preventive dentistry, such as cleanings. You can call Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, at 915.759.7000 to talk to our team about this.