4 Ways to Avoid Periodontal Disease

Our team members at Periodontist of Weston provide outstanding care for the full scope of gum health concerns, including treating periodontal disease. While we love meeting new patients, we sincerely hope that you won’t need gum disease treatment and might instead come see us for services like wisdom teeth extraction, sinus lifts, or crown lengthening. 

So let’s look at ways you can prevent gum disease and avoid the need for our advanced periodontal treatment services. Whether you reside in Weston, Miramar, Cooper City, or Pembroke Pines, Florida, we’re here when you need us. 

What causes gum disease, and why it’s such a big deal

Your gums serve as a barrier between the environment within your mouth and your bloodstream. Gum disease weakens that barrier, making it possible for bacteria from your mouth to enter your blood and travel to virtually all parts of your body. 

Advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis, is a serious dental and overall health condition. It’s linked to an increased risk of problems like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. So taking good care of your gums is a critical part of protecting against other health issues. 

Gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to accumulate on the surface of your teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance filled with bacteria, and it can cause inflammation in your gumline. That inflammation can eventually cause your gums to pull away from the surfaces of your teeth, creating tiny pockets of space. 

These pockets are the perfect place for bacteria to thrive, as you can’t reach into them with brushing and flossing. As more bacteria develop, the spaces widen, and bacteria can enter your bloodstream. 

Let’s look at four ways you can avoid periodontal disease and preserve your oral and general health. 

1. Proper brushing and flossing

It’s boring, we know. But embracing a solid oral hygiene routine is the absolute best way to prevent gum disease. Brushing each day with a soft-bristle brush removes much of the plaque from your teeth. Flossing removes plaque and food particles present in the space between your teeth, where brushing can’t reach. 

Daily brushing and flossing might not remove every trace of plaque from your teeth, but it keeps it down to a manageable level. Left in place, plaque can harden into a substance called tartar, which can only be removed with a full dental cleaning. 

2. Schedule routine dental exams and cleanings

Scheduling routine dental exams every six months ensures that we have the chance to catch areas of concern in the earliest possible stages. When it comes to gum disease, the early stage is called gingivitis. 

At this point, most people can resolve their symptoms by simply improving their brushing and flossing habits. The redness, sensitivity, swelling, and mild gum bleeding can improve as you take better care of your teeth and gums, and you can avoid the condition worsening into periodontitis. 

3. If you’re a smoker, find a way to quit

Smoking increases plaque buildup, which makes it more likely for gum disease to develop. It also decreases circulation, harms your immune system, and introduces a wide range of chemicals into your mouth and body. 

If you smoke, work with your primary care provider to explore smoking cessation programs. Quitting the habit for good is one of the best things you can do for your general and dental health. Be aware that using smokeless tobacco products is also harmful.

4. Take a close look at your medications

Many people don’t realize that some medications increase the risk of a dry mouth or gum inflammation. Examples include certain types of birth control, heart medications, and some antidepressants. 

If you’ve noticed less saliva production or more gum tenderness over time, review your medications to see if they might be causing these changes. In some cases, you might be able to find alternatives, or you can make changes to your oral hygiene to help avoid damaging your gum tissue. 

We hope you won’t need us, but we’re always here if you do

Following the guidelines mentioned above can help reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease. But if you find yourself facing red, swollen, or painful gum tissue, we’re happy to meet with you to explore various treatment paths. 

You can schedule a time to come in for an exam at Periodontist of Weston using our online booking page. We’re also here to connect by phone to find a time that works for you.