How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention show that 47.2 percent of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontal disease. Only the gum suffers the effects of gingivitis, but periodontal diseases upset both the gums and the supporting bone tissues of the teeth. You can easily prevent advanced gum disease by booking regular dental appointments and applying good oral hygiene.

This article focuses on how you can successfully prevent periodontal diseases through different forms of preventative dentistry.

How to prevent periodontal disease

Maintain excellent dental hygiene

Gum disease is a result of neglecting plaque accumulation on the teeth and gums. Although only expert cleaning can remove tartar (hardened plaque) from the teeth, you can clean out most plaque by brushing. You should also remember to floss to clean out food debris and plaque lurking between the teeth and across the gum lines. Daily oral care can help prevent plaque buildup, which is the leading cause of periodontal disease.

When buying oral care tools, search for products with the American Dental Association's seal of approval. This means that the product has been verified to be safe and effective for its proposed usage.

Consume more vitamin C

One of the common culprits of periodontal disease is vitamin C deficiency. Fruits like oranges, kiwis, strawberries and even supplements can help increase your body’s ability to resist gum diseases. The healing properties of vitamin C can help inhibit gum bleeding and inflammation. These are common signs of advanced gum diseases.

Eat a balanced diet

Eating a balanced diet is not only beneficial for your teeth but also for your general well-being. Ensure you desist from consuming sugary meals and drinks that can cause tooth decay and advanced gum diseases. A balanced diet contains the required minerals and vitamins to enhance your immunity and avert the occurrence of gum disease.

Before buying any item in the grocery shop, ensure you check the nutritional information printed on the package. Foods and drinks that we think are healthy may have a high percentage of sugar, including sports drinks and fruit juices.

Increase your water intake

You may find this weird, but saliva is actually the body’s natural plaque fighter. After consuming a meal, the body releases more saliva to clean the plaque and food elements. To keep your saliva flowing and maintain a healthy dentition, you need to drink enough water throughout the day. Also, drinks like alcohol and coffee can cause dehydration.

Go for regular teeth cleaning

When you visit the dental hygienist for teeth cleaning, all the plaque and tartar on the teeth will be cleaned off. The dentist will also examine your gums and teeth for signs of gum diseases to ensure your smile remains healthy.

Final note

Although it is possible to reverse gingivitis, periodontitis is permanent. Meanwhile, if your dentist detects periodontal diseases, he or she will perform scaling and root planing. This is to stop gum recession and prevent other dental health problems. Since periodontal disease creates deep gum pockets surrounding the teeth, the dentist will suggest gum disease treatment.

Remember, the best ways to prevent periodontal disease are regular dental appointments and good oral hygiene.

Request an appointment here: http://grayperiodontal.com or call Gray's Periodontal Center at (757) 716-3539 for an appointment in our Virginia Beach office.