There are actions that you can – and should – take to protect yourself against periodontal disease. If you already have symptoms of an infection, you can schedule an evaluation at our Encinitas/San Diego, CA periodontal practice to see how serious the problem might be, and what can be done. To avoid a situation where treatment is needed, make sure you stick with a smart oral hygiene routine. Flossing allows you to clean your gums in the spaces where your teeth meet. By clearing away bacteria in these areas, you can stop an infection from forming. Good flossing practices can also help if you start to see the early warning signs of gingivitis.

Oral Hygiene Is Your First Line Of Defense Against Gum Disease

The commitment you make to oral hygiene will be your first line of defense against gum disease. With good brushing and flossing practices in place, you can keep oral bacteria from gathering at the base of your teeth and infecting your gums. Flossing allows you to keep those spaces where your teeth meet clean. If you only floss to remove something from your teeth, or right before your next dental checkup, accumulated tartar can make you vulnerable to infections.

What Does Your Current Flossing Routine Look Like?

You should floss at least once per day. Taking time to do this before you go to bed will allow you to remove food debris and harmful microbes that have gathered in the course of your day. Make sure that you floss thoroughly, bringing the string down to the base of your teeth and working those spaces where the tooth and gums meet.

Pay Attention To Warning Signs Of Gum Disease

There are signs of gingivitis that you can identify and respond to. One thing to watch out for is a tendency to bleed when you brush or floss. This bleeding can be a sign that bacteria are starting to cause problems for you. You should also be concerned about problems with gum line recession, or with swelling and discoloration. If these problems are starting to affect you, we can help by providing a scaling and root planing procedure. Individuals who are suffering from more advanced forms of periodontal disease can learn how more involved treatments, like laser periodontal treatments, can help them.

Talk To Dr. Kania About Your Periodontal Health

By protecting yourself against periodontal disease, you can have an easier time maintaining your general health, and it can be easier to avoid tooth loss later in life. Dr. Kania’s periodontal office has helped many people prevent long-term consequences from infection, and we can also help those who are already struggling with more serious consequences of periodontal disease. To find out more, please call our periodontal practice in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.