Prevention

You Can Help Prevent Gum Disease!

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The good news is that today you may be able to reduce your chances of getting gum disease or having it worsen. How? By realizing that many of the risk factors that can negatively impact your oral health — smoking, poor oral hygiene, infrequent dental visits, inadequate nutrition, and stress — are all within your power to change!

To find out how to lessen your risks, select a topic.

Does smoking increase my risk?
How many times a day should I brush my teeth?
Does flossing fight periodontal disease?
Can my diet affect my teeth?
Should I go to the dentist?

Does smoking increase my risk?
The chemicals in cigarette smoke have been shown to harm the “helpful” bacteria that keep your gums strong. Cigarettes also lower HDL or your “good cholesterol,” which can lead to artery damage and to the decreased flow of nutrients to your gums. If you smoke, it’s probably a good idea to try and quit.
How many times a day should I brush my teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least 2 times every day. This will help to cleanse your teeth of unwanted bacteria or the food bits on which they can feed.
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Does flossing fight periodontal disease?
The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once every day. Flossing helps stimulate your gums to rebuild themselves. Also, by scraping away plaque and other material, flossing stimulates your body’s immune system to take care of any invading bacteria, thereby helping to keep gums healthy.
Can my diet affect my teeth?
A healthy diet helps your body stay in top physical condition. If you do not eat well-balanced meals every day, you may be missing important nutrients that your teeth and gums need to fight invading bacteria. Talk to your dentist or physician about how you can improve your diet for peak physical condition.
Should I go to the dentist?
If you are concerned that any of these factors could use improvement, call your general dentist or periodontist today for a checkup. Your health care provider will be better able to help you if you come to his or her office prepared with a list of things to discuss.
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* SRP = Scaling and root planing (a professional deep cleaning procedure)

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