How to Avoid Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Gum (or periodontal) disease can strike the best of us. It only takes a small amount of plaque on the surface of your teeth to set it off. As with most dental problems, however, the best way to avoid gum disease involves daily brushing and flossing.

SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE:

• Sore gums
• Bleeding gums
• Pain when chewing
• Tooth loss

If you start seeing any of these symptoms, contact us. Treatments for gum disease vary from case to case — from a simple deep cleaning to medication or gum therapy.

Thankfully, you can prevent gum disease from getting to that point. Brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day will remove any pesky plaque from your teeth.

But if you’re looking for even more support, try including a mouthwash like Act or Listerine. Though definitely not a replacement for brushing and flossing, mouthwashes can reach those hard-to-reach places you sometimes miss with your brush.

In addition to brushing, flossing and mouthwash, to insure the greatest success in preventing gum disease you should maintain regular visits to our office and maintain your dental cleanings every every 6 months. We have the knowledge and tools integral for keeping your mouth in the best shape possible.

There are three factors that affect your prognosis for gum disease: (1) What you do at home; (2) what your dental team does for you and; (3) your genetics. Working together with your dentist can help you to control at least two of these three factors.

For more information on our Waterford dentists and how to avoid gum disease, contact our Waterford dentists or call us at 248.681.8100.