As adults, you have a higher risk of developing gum disease. In fact, studies from the Centers for Disease Control show half of all adults over 30 in the United States experience some form of gum disease. How do you prevent gum disease? There are actually a number of options for protecting your gums from this serious disease.
Try Our Gum Disease Prevention Quiz
- True or False: Once gingivitis forms, you can’t prevent gum disease.
- True or False: A cleaning can remove plaque and tartar.
- True or False: Good homecare can help protect your smile.
- True or False: Without treatment, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.
Answer Key
- False. If we can address the problem in the gingivitis stage, we can reverse it. However, once periodontal disease actually forms, it cannot be reversed and will need to be managed. Warning signs of gingivitis include sore, red gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss. Don’t ignore these warning signs, schedule a visit right away.
- True. While brushing and flossing can help control the amount of plaque on the teeth, only a dental cleaning can completely remove plaque from the teeth. You should have a cleaning ever six months to remove all plaque from the surface of your teeth. You can not only protect your smile from periodontal problems, but tooth decay and bad breath as well.
- True. You should always brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes per session. You also need to floss every night before going to bed. These simple habits can help prevent serious plaque buildup, reducing the risk of gingivitis and eventually, periodontal disease, from forming.
- True. Eventually, periodontal disease can lead to periodontitis, an advanced stage that can cause teeth to become loose and eventually lost. However, we can help manage the disease with preventive care, helping you maintain a whole smile.
CALL YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST TODAY:
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.
