When considering the top 3 things you should do to prevent gum disease, Dr. Dominic Lau of Eramosa Dental will discuss gum disease in his Guelph, ON office.
Gum disease, known as gingivitis in its milder form and periodontitis in its more advanced stages, is a serious condition. It is an inflammation and infection of the gums. It can cause tooth loss and loss of bone in the jaw, but it is more serious than that. It has been shown that there is a direct link between cardiovascular disease and diabetes and gum disease. This makes it even more imperative you should try to prevent gum disease.
Practice Good Oral Care
Your first line of defense against gum disease is good oral care at home. This means flossing your teeth at least once a day and brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day. Using fluoride toothpaste can help to make your teeth and gums stronger. A good anti-bacterial mouthwash helps keep gingivitis from ever getting started.
Get Regular Dental Exams and Cleaning
If you are fighting gum disease in Guelph, ON getting regular dental exams and cleanings is an important part of the fight. The recommended schedule for cleanings and exams is once every 6 months. If your gums are in the early stages of gum disease, your dentist may recommend that you get more frequent cleaning and exams. If you don't have fluoride in the water you are drinking at home, your dentist may recommend getting treatment in the office.
Quit Smoking
Smoking has long been a suspect in many oral conditions and periodontal disease is one of them. Smoking weakens your immune system. As if it isn't bad enough that smoking can cause periodontal disease, but those who smoke are much less likely to have positive results from treatment, whether surgery or other forms. The more you smoke, the less likely you are to be able to save your teeth. If you smoke, you have twice as much risk of developing gum disease as those who don't smoke. Tobacco in any form is bad; cigarettes, pipes, and chewing tobacco all contribute to gum disease.
To learn more about preventing gum disease in Guelph, ON contact Dr. Lau at Eramosa Dental. For an appointment, call (519) 821-4370.