Periodontal diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss among older adults are on the rise. According to the ADA, more than half of Americans will develop periodontal diseases at some point in their lifetime, and it’s the most common chronic dental condition among adults. If you’re a parent, you’re already thinking about how to prevent these diseases in your future children.
While there’s no way to completely prevent periodontal diseases, there are some preventative measures you can take. The key is to keep your teeth clean, check your gums and surrounding teeth for signs of infection, and see your dentist regularly. Along with the tips below, you’ll be able to protect yourself and your family from these common health issues.
Be a good dental hygiene
First and foremost, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once. (Once if you’re trying to get into the habit of flossing, but twice a day is a minimum.) Take care of your tongue and lips first with toothpaste specifically formulated to clean those areas. Get your teeth professionally cleaned every six months with a deep-cleaning process that removes plaque and tartar buildup.
One of the primary causes of periodontal problems is plaque buildup, which causes gingivitis. Always remember to keep your mouth bacteria-free and your gums healthy by following these tips for dental hygiene.
Check for signs of gum disease
Be on the lookout for inflammation around your gum lines. Gingivitis and periodontitis are both diseases characterized by inflammation in the mouth. If you notice redness or swelling around your gum lines, you could be suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis. While these diseases aren’t immediately dangerous, they can lead to other problems in your mouth. So if you notice any of these signs, it’s important to visit preventive dentistry right away.
- Persistent bleeding when you brush your teeth
- Tartar buildup on your teeth
- White spots on your teeth
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Changes in your bite
Take care of your teeth
You may not think about it, but the buildup of plaque on your teeth is a major factor in periodontal diseases. If you have healthy teeth and gums, there’s less chance of plaque buildup and developing destructive periodontal diseases. So your dentist recommends two important practices for your mouth: Take care of your teeth by brushing your teeth twice a day, using an antibacterial or fluoride toothpaste, and avoiding foods that are hard to brush away. And, see your dentist regularly for teeth cleaning and checkups. If you don’t see your dentist on a regular basis, you’re more likely to contract periodontal diseases. It’s especially important to see your dentist if you’re experiencing any of the following signs of gum disease.
What to eat and drink for a healthy mouth
Healthy mouth habits include drinking plenty of water, eating a low-calorie diet, avoiding excess sugar, and limiting sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks. A healthy diet and routine dental care can help prevent periodontal diseases. It’s also important to see your dentist on a regular basis and keep your mouth healthy and clean. This can help you avoid developing periodontal diseases.
To help prevent periodontal diseases, make sure you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once. When it comes to brushing your teeth, you want to aim for at least 2 minutes per quadrant and use a toothpaste formulated to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth. The ADA also recommends using an interdental brush once a week to remove food particles and plaque buildup between teeth.
Talk to your dentist
If you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease or plaque buildup, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to ask your dentist about preventative measures you can take. In many cases, medication or tooth brushing and flossing habits can be changed to prevent periodontal diseases.
Bottom line
There’s no way to completely prevent periodontal diseases yet, but there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, check for signs of gum disease, and see your dentist on a regular basis. If you notice any signs of gum disease, make an appointment immediately.