5 Tips for Preventing Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a common problem. Once you reach the age of 30, there’s a good chance that you may have been affected by gum disease.
To keep your mouth healthy, it’s not enough just to pay attention to your teeth. The condition of your gums makes a big difference in your overall health. Advanced gum disease can lead to oral health complications that include tooth loss and jawbone damage.
Dr. Abraham Nobel and the care team here at Nobel Dentistry, in the Koreatown section of Los Angeles, California, are experts in periodontics. Dr. Nobel can treat your gum issues, but also advise you on the best ways to keep your gums healthy to avoid periodontal disease.
Here are some helpful tips and tricks for periodontal disease prevention that we want our new and existing patients to know about.
1. Keep your whole mouth clean
Good dental hygiene is your best bet to limit the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria that build up on your gums can lead to gum disease. To protect your gums, rinse your mouth with water after eating.
And make sure to brush, using the right technique, at least twice a day, and floss daily. Flossing is extra important for gum health, as it stimulates your gums in addition to clearing away bacteria and debris.
2. Eat the right foods
Did you know that diet plays a role in your gum health? If you’re not getting enough of the key vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, you may see deterioration in your gum health.
Fruits and vegetables, like oranges, kale, and broccoli, or dietary supplements can improve your overall gum condition.
3. Avoid tobacco use
When you smoke or chew tobacco, your circulation and overall bone health suffer. Smoking also increases the tartar in your mouth, putting unnecessary stress on your gums. You might prevent or reverse periodontal disease by giving up tobacco, or seriously cutting back on your use.
4. Watch out for stress and bruxism
You might be surprised how much your stress levels affect your oral health. If you grind or clench your teeth, called bruxism, you risk damage to your gums and teeth. Stress is a risk factor for bruxism. If you brux in your sleep, a well-fitted night guard might be in order.
Stress also negatively impacts your immune system, which you rely on to respond to the unhealthy bacteria in your mouth that can cause periodontal disease.
If your immune system is weakened by stress, an infection may take root and develop in your gums, leading to advanced gum disease, known as periodontitis.
5. Talk to your dental care provider regularly
You don’t have to fight gum disease alone. With regular dental checkups at Nobel Dentistry, we can provide expert monitoring and care. Let us know if you’ve noticed any symptoms of gum disease, including bleeding, tenderness, or inflammation in your gums.
With early treatment, many oral health problems, including periodontal disease, can be reversed.
Dr. Nobel may recommend tooth-straightening treatments that can address hard-to-reach areas in your mouth where pockets of harmful bacteria can flourish and cause gum problems.
If you have concerns about periodontal disease and your oral health, make an appointment with Nobel Dentistry today. Call us or book your appointment online.