Periodontal disease (also called gum disease) isn’t something that everyone is destined to get. In fact, we can prevent gum disease from developing altogether. To do that, though, we need to work together and take steps daily to keep your gum tissue healthy.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue. The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. At this stage, the disease is completely reversible. Left untreated, the disease will progress and lead to the following symptoms.
Once you have gum disease beyond gingivitis, the disease is no longer reversible. Thankfully, we can arrest it with periodontal treatments.
The bacteria in plaque and tartar are the main culprits that cause gum disease. The bacteria and the acids they produce attack and irritate your delicate gingiva. If you don’t remove plaque daily, it will calcify and turn into tartar. Tartar is like a sliver in the gum tissue, causing irritation and pain. The gum tissue pulls away from it to protect itself.
Thankfully, with preventative action, you can prevent periodontal disease. And with the help of your Gardena dentist, your chances of success are even higher. Here are a few tips that can help prevent periodontal disease in Gardena.
Start by brushing your teeth at least twice a day. If possible, brush gently after every meal, especially those in which you consumed sugary foods. Bacteria love sugar, and it causes even more plaque build-up. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes each time you brush.
Flossing isn’t always easy, but it’s vital for cleaning between the teeth and below the gumline – areas you can’t reach with your toothbrush. Flossing at least once a day is critical to prevent plaque and tartar build-up and to help reduce your risk of dental decay.
An electric toothbrush’s fast, constant rotation helps clean your teeth more thoroughly than a manual toothbrush. Plus, many have built-in features that reduce your risk of brushing too hard, something that can result in gum recession and soreness.
Aim your toothbrush bristles down into your gum pockets and use gentle, circular motions to clean. Doing this will help ensure you get below the gum line.
Use the C-shaped flossing technique to clean the entire side of each tooth, down to the base of the gum pockets.
For some patients, the idea of two dental cleanings each year seems excessive, but it’s not.
As much as we all try, it is impossible to remove 100% of the plaque from your teeth – even if you brush and floss regularly. There are several reasons for this, including:
If you only get one cleaning each year, plaque can quickly build up in hard-to-reach areas and calcify. The result is irritated gums and the early stages of gum disease.
When your Gardena dentist can remove the plaque and tartar more often, we can significantly reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
At Gardena Dental Care, we view every patient as a vital member of our team. We know that our work alone isn’t enough to prevent gum disease. And home care alone isn’t enough to prevent it either. We need to work together as a team to combat dental diseases – and prevent them altogether. As a team, we will have the tools and resources we need to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong!
We Can Help You Prevent Periodontal Disease
Contact our team to schedule your next cleaning or a consultation to discuss your risks of developing gum disease.
CALL (424) 295-7885
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