Periodontal disease could leave your smile suffering from painful symptoms and at risk for adult tooth loss. But actions can be taken to help prevent the onset of the disease, such as proper brushing and flossing habits. In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about how to properly care for your smile at home.
The Factors Behind Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when the gingival tissues become inflamed, also known as gingivitis. Without treatment, this could cause the tissues to pull away from the teeth. When these periodontal pockets occur, harmful disease-causing bacteria could enter them, leading to the presence of periodontal disease. Daily care for your smile helps manage the disease to protect your smile’s stability, or could help you avoid the disease completely. Factors behind the issues include plaque and tartar buildup, which could be brought on by food and drink particles left behind by our meals. Certain bacteria consume these particles and create the buildup that irritates and inflames the gum tissues. But with daily oral hygiene habits, you can help protect your smile.
Brushing Properly
First, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles to prevent gum irritation and recession. You can use an electric or a manual one. You should also select a toothpaste with fluoride, which helps your smile fight harmful oral bacteria. You and your family need to brush for two minutes in the morning and then again before going to bed, reaching every available surface. Be sure to clean along the gum line too!
How to Floss Effectively
Flossing is essential for maintaining good gum health, and should be done every evening before you brush for the second time. This process removes what a toothbrush cannot, including the particles caught between teeth or along the gum line. You should use the floss or pick to gently clean up and down each side of every tooth. Then dip beneath the gum line in a “c” motion to extract trapped particles. This benefits kids and adults alike, so everyone needs to take time to floss before going to bed!
When to See Us
If you notice changes to your guns, or to those of a family member, please let us know. Often, sore, red, bleeding, or receding tissues are signs that attention is needed. If you have any questions about preventing the onset of periodontal disease, then contact our team today to learn more.
Talk To Your Encinitas/San Diego, CA Periodontist About Preventing Poor Oral Health
We would love a chance to help you fight the onset of gum disease! If you would like to find out more about improving oral hygiene, call Dr. Kania’s office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.