One of the best things you can do for your oral and overall health is to take steps to prevent gum disease. Thankfully, periodontal disease prevention in Whittier doesn’t have to be complicated. Not only is it easy, but it’s affordable, too!
Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.
Losing a tooth is not a fun experience. In the case of periodontal disease, it can involve a lot of pain and discomfort due to gum inflammation and infections.
Besides losing teeth, gum disease has been closely linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain respiratory conditions. Researchers are looking at the link between gum disease and other conditions as well.
When you take steps to prevent gum disease, you’re taking steps to ensure the preservation of your teeth, gums, and the bone surrounding them. You’re also taking steps to reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack, and other serious, life-threatening health conditions.
Dental hygiene at home plays a crucial role in periodontal disease prevention in Whittier.
If you never (or rarely) brush properly or floss but still see your dentist twice a year for cleanings, it makes it difficult for us to help you protect your teeth. It takes a daily routine to prevent gum disease from developing. Once you get into a dental chair, the disease has likely already started.
Thankfully, with a commitment of just a few minutes a day, you can prevent periodontal disease at home.
Brush at least twice a day. If possible, brush after every meal. Brush in small, circular motions so the toothbrush bristles get under the gum line. Set a timer or listen to your favorite song to ensure you brush for two to four minutes. Don’t forget to also brush your tongue, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Use the C-shape flossing technique. This technique allows you to hug the tooth with the floss and gently slide under the gum line to the base of your gum pocket. Removing plaque from between the teeth is important for staving off decay, but you need to get under the gum line in order to prevent gum disease. Make sure to floss at least once a day.
An electric toothbrush is a wise investment. It allows for a more thorough clean than a manual toothbrush. It also has a mechanism that causes the brush to stop spinning if you push too hard. Brushing too hard can damage your gum tissue.
Another helpful tool – especially if you have gaps between your teeth or deep gum pockets – is a WaterPik. It helps remove food particles, as well as plaque.
In addition to proper dental home care, you can practice periodontal disease prevention in Whittier with a few lifestyle changes. These include:
Another way to prevent periodontal disease is to visit your Whittier dentist twice a year. During these appointments, you’ll get:
The x-rays allow us to monitor the health of the bone around your teeth. During the examination, we’ll check the depth of the pockets around your teeth. Normal pocket depths are between one and three millimeters. Anything higher than that indicates gum disease.
Finally, your dental cleanings help remove plaque you may have missed due to dexterity or anatomical issues. Your hygienist will also remove tartar (calcified plaque), which can only be removed with professional dental instruments.
We believe in teamwork. Our patients are an important part of the equation when it comes to periodontal disease prevention in Whittier. That’s why we work closely with every single patient to create a treatment prevention plan. We want to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime and to live a full, healthy life. A great way to ensure that happens is with a good oral health plan and teamwork.
Periodontal Disease Prevention Can Help You Keep Your Beautiful Smile for Years To Come!
Contact us today to schedule your periodontal examination.
CALL (562) 414-5025
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