Periodontal disease is not only a widespread disorder, but one that can have serious complications for your oral health, including the loss of your adult teeth. However, with the right steps you can potentially prevent periodontal disease from forming. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can safeguard your smile against serious oral health concerns.
5 Ways to Prevent Periodontal Disease
- Have your teeth cleaned professionally: While brushing and flossing can reduce the severity of plaque buildup, only a dental cleaning can actually remove all the plaque and tartar buildup. You should have your teeth cleaned twice a year to reduce your risk of periodontal disease, as well as tooth decay.
- Don’t ignore potential warning signs: If you notice changes to your gums, such as bleeding, soreness, redness, or recession, then talk to your dentist. These could be warning signs of gingivitis (gum inflammation) or gum disease. In the inflammation stage, the issue can be reversed and treated. If gum disease has already formed then we can help successfully manage it, allowing you to avoid adult tooth loss.
- Floss everyday: You should floss daily to remove food particles caught between teeth. Toothbrush bristles may not reach them, allowing bacteria to break them down and increase the severity of plaque and tartar buildup. You should floss every day before going to bed.
- Brush your teeth properly: When you brush, you should do so for no less than two minutes, hitting every available surface of your teeth. You should brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and again before going to bed. Routine dental maintenance can help reduce the risk of cavities, as well as more serious issues like periodontal disease.
- Stop smoking: When you smoke or use tobacco products then you can increase the severity of gum disease.
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.
