According to the Centers for Disease Control, half of adults over 30 in the United States suffer from periodontal disease. Unless managed with regular treatment, this disease could threaten the stability of your smile. In today’s blog, your El Paso, TX, dentists talk about how we can manage the issue from home and safeguard smiles!
The Causes of Periodontal Disease and the Dangers of Periodontitis
How does this disease develop? Well, trouble starts with inflammation. When your gums become inflamed, this causes them to pull away from the teeth and expose pockets for bacteria to infiltrate. Once this happens, periodontal disease can develop. The causes of the inflammation could include poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugary foods and drinks, which leads to plaque buildup, a bacterial byproduct that irritates the gingival tissues. Other factors include smoking cigarettes and tobacco use, a family history of periodontal issues, inflammatory illnesses, and the use of certain medications. Early warning signs include sore, red gums that bleed easily. While the disease cannot be cured, treatment to manage it helps prevent periodontitis, the advanced stage that is severe the tissues connecting our teeth and gums, causing adult tooth loss.
Brushing and Flossing
You will still need professional dental cleanings, which is the only way to completely remove plaque from the teeth, but care at home in between these visits is crucial for further safeguarding your smile. You should brush your teeth when you wake up and again before going to bed for two minutes each session. Be sure you use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid irritating the gums further, and make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride. Before bed each night, floss up and down each side of every tooth to remove trapped food particles. These actions remove the food particles that feed harmful bacteria and cause plaque buildup to worsen.
Other Healthy Habits
Avoid smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products. Try to cut back on sugary foods and drinks too, as this could provide fuel to harmful bacteria. Be aware of any changes to your gum tissues, and keep your dentist updated on the situation until it’s once again possible to schedule an office visit. Right now, taking care of your smile as your practice social distancing and stay home is crucial for avoiding tooth decay, periodontal disease, periodontitis, and other serious concerns. If you have any questions, then contact our team today.
TALK TO SUNNY SMILES IN EL PASO, TX ABOUT SMILE CARE
At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, our team would like to help you make better choices of the health of your smile. To learn more about our comprehensive treatment options, then contact your El Paso, TX, dentists at Sunny Smiles on Dyer Street by calling 915-859-7000.