Gum disease is a wide spread disorder that affects millions of people, leading to serious discomfort and even adult tooth loss in severe cases. But can you prevent gum disease? You may be surprised to learn just how simple periodontal disease prevention can be. By taking steps to improve oral hygiene and seeing your dentist at regular intervals, you have a greater chance of enjoying a healthier and disease-free smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease Prevention
Question: Will a dental cleaning help avoid the disease?
Answer: Yes. The gum inflammation that often causes the disease to develop can be caused by plaque and tartar buildup. A dental cleaning is the only way to remove hardened plaque, or tartar, from the surface of the teeth. Doing so reduces the risk of the disease. You should have a dentist or hygienist clean your teeth about once every six months.
Question: Does brushing and flossing impact your oral health?
Answer: Yes. When you brush, you help remove plaque from the surface of the teeth and reduce the severity of buildup. When you floss, you remove the food particles from between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Without flossing, these particles are broken down by bacteria and cause plaque and tartar to form on the teeth.
Question: Should you quit smoking?
Answer: Yes. Along with increasing the risk of oral, throat, and lung cancer, smoking and tobacco use can also worsen gum disease, increasing the risk if periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, a major factor behind adult tooth loss.
Question: What are the warning signs of periodontal disease?
Answer: You may notice your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth. Receding gums, redness, or soreness are also common symptoms. Don’t ignore these warning signs, see your dentist right away for a diagnosis.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
