How to Care for Periodontal Disease?
Proper oral care doesn’t merely involve keeping your teeth healthy. Thorough oral care involves optimizing the health of your entire mouth. That includes your gums.
That said, gum disease is relatively common. According to the CDC, nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 have periodontal disease (gum disease) in some form.
Your main goal may be to avoid periodontal disease altogether. The following overview will offer some tips for doing so.
However, if you receive a diagnosis of periodontal disease, you’re not alone. What’s important now is learning how to manage your condition effectively. Keep reading for more information.
Guarding Against Periodontal Disease: Essential Tips
If you don’t currently have periodontal disease, you can reduce your chances of developing it by:
- Seeing your dentist at least once every six months
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Flossing at least once a day
- Refraining from the use of tobacco products
- Ensuring your diet provides your body with the nutrition it needs
Discuss this topic with your dentist to learn more. They can explain in greater detail what someone with your particular degree of oral health may do to guard against periodontal disease in the first place.
Complications of Periodontal Disease
Don’t ignore your condition if your dentist or another medical professional diagnoses you with periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease could lead to such symptoms and complications as:
- Bad breath
- Potential loss of teeth
- Speech difficulties
- Difficulty eating
Evidence also suggests that untreated periodontal disease could put a patient at risk of developing health conditions affecting other organs, such as the heart. Stop this from happening by being proactive.
Caring for Periodontal Disease: What You Need to Know
Again, you shouldn't necessarily worry if you already have periodontal disease. Remember, this is a common condition. You may certainly be able to prevent a minor case of gum disease from developing into something more significant if a professional diagnosed your condition early.
Ways to effectively care for periodontal disease include the following:
- Continue seeing your dentist regularly and continue adhering to smart oral hygiene habits
- Take any medications your doctor prescribes
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid irritating your gums, and replace your toothbrush every three to four months
- Opt for a toothpaste with fluoride
- Brush all oral surfaces, including your tongue, where bacteria can easily hide and thrive
Just make sure that you are coordinating with your dentist (and any other professionals they recommend seeing) as you take steps to slow the progress of your gum disease. By heeding the advice here and seeing your dentist often, you’ll limit the odds of minor periodontal disease becoming a major health problem. If you ever do suspect your periodontal disease is worsening, or if you notice any early warning signs of this condition, see your dentist right away.
Learn More About Periodontal Disease Care in Albuquerque, NM
At Davis Gribble Hollowwa Dental, we offer services designed to address the needs of patients with periodontal disease and related conditions. Find out what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling us at 505-898-1976 to request an appointment today.