Taking Preventive Action Against Gum Disease

prevent gum diseaseAccording to studies by organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), half of adults in the United States over the age of 30 suffer from periodontal disease. Unless managed with regular treatment, this disease could be linked to adult tooth loss! Fortunately, there are plenty of steps you can take to prevent the onset of periodontal disease, and your Newhall, CA, dentist also has preventive options to help strengthen your smile.

The Causes of Periodontal Disease and Common Symptoms

How does gum disease develop? The problem starts with inflammation. The gums could become inflamed due to poor oral hygiene, smoking and tobacco use, infrequent dental cleanings, inflammatory illness, family history of periodontal issues, or the use of certain medications. In the early stages, the patient may notice gums that feel sore, look red, or bleed easily. In the early stages the inflammation can be reversed, but once gum disease forms it cannot be cured. Instead, routine care will be necessary to manage it and prevent the worsening stages responsible for adult tooth loss.

Prevention at Home

Let’s talk about what you can do to prevent gingivitis and gum disease from home. First, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, when you wake up and before bed, for about two minutes. Also, make sure you floss every night before bed. Brushing and flossing remove stray food particles, preventing bacteria from breaking them down to create the plaque buildup that irritates the gums. We also suggest avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products, and letting us know as soon as your experience the common warning signs of trouble.

Prevention with Cleanings

You should see our team every six months for an exam and cleaning. The exam lets us keep a close eye on your smile, and watching for the earliest signs of trouble. The cleaning employs an ultrasonic scaler and manual tool to break up and remove all plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from the surfaces of the teeth. We then polish them thoroughly. If you have high risk factors for periodontal disease, then we may suggest a visit every three to four months. If you have any questions about periodontal disease prevention and treatment, then contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy a healthy and whole smile!

Do You Have Questions About Preventing Periodontal Disease?

We know that untreated periodontal issues could cause painful symptoms and even adult tooth loss, which is why we want to help you avoid this disease or manage it successfully. To learn more about how we keep your smile healthy and strong with preventive care, then please schedule a consultation by calling Newhall Dental Arts in Newhall, CA, today at (661) 259-7760.