Periodontal disease prevention is very important because it can have serious consequences for your smile and overall health. The condition occurs when bacteria build up in your gum tissue. It can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss. It has also been linked to a number of serious systemic health concerns. Fortunately, regular dental care at Austin Laser Dentist can dramatically reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease. Additionally, with routine visits, Dr. Helen E. Ragsdale can detect the condition in the early stages. In this way, she can recommend periodontal disease treatment before you suffer extensive dental damage.

Periodontal Disease Prevention with At-Home Care

You are the first line of defense against gum disease.  For the most effective protection, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste. Although brushing after meals is important, you should wait about 30 minutes after eating. If you brush too soon, you will rub bacterial by-products and bits of food into your teeth, eroding your dental enamel and exposed dentin, thereby increasing your risk for decay. Electronic or sonic brushes produce the most effective brush action. Additionally, you should floss at least once a day. Use at least 18 inches of floss and make gliding, rather than snapping motions, between each of your teeth. Finally, use an essential oil  antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day, if not using a prescription antimicrobial rinse. Regular dental care is vital if you want to enjoy a lifetime of dental health.

A Healthy Diet for Periodontal Disease Prevention

While brushing after meals is vital, what you eat is also very important. In fact, a poor diet can dramatically increase your risk of developing gum disease. Sugar and starch accelerate the growth of harmful oral bacteria. In addition, when you are lacking certain essential vitamins and minerals, it is much more difficult to fight off infection in all its forms.

Routine Dental Treatment Is Vital

Even with aggressive home care, you will not be able to eliminate all of the plaque and tartar from your mouth. At your biannual visits, our hygienist will remove the hard tartar from your teeth. Not only will this immediately reduce your risk for gum disease; it will also make it easier to remove plaque and bacteria through at-home hygiene.

Periodontal disease prevention starts with regular dental appointments. Dental exams are important because they will allow Dr. Ragsdale to diagnose the earliest symptoms of periodontal disease. Gum disease is often called a “silent disease” because patients do not notice the symptoms until the condition is in the more advanced stages. Dr. Ragsdale can conduct a manual exam to look for pockets in your soft tissues. She will also take x-rays to monitor your bone health and look for any signs of jaw degeneration.

Periodontal Disease and Tobacco Use

If you are tobacco user, quitting this habit is one of the most important things you can do to prevent gum disease. Smoking increases the rate at which tartar builds up on teeth, and it also raises your risk for developing periodontal pockets. Tobacco also works to break down the connective fibers in your mouth, meaning you will be more likely to experience tooth loss as a consequence of gum disease. Finally, chemical in tobacco will inhibit healing and reduce your chances of a successful recovery.

The Importance of Good Preventative Care

By preventing gum disease, Dr. Ragsdale can protect your physical health, as well as your smile. Because gum disease is a chronic condition, it raises inflammation in your body, making you more susceptible to other infections. Gum disease has been linked to a number of additional health problems. These concerns include:

• Heart disease: Scientists speculate that oral bacteria can move into your blood stream, increasing the presence of plaque in your arteries.
• Respiratory disease: Similarly, oral bacteria can move to your lungs. Therefore gum disease can increase your risk for pneumonia, emphysema, bronchitis, and COPD.
• Diabetes: Scientists have long known that patients with diabetes have a higher risk for developing gum disease. However, recent studies show that gum disease may increase the severity of diabetes. Though further research is needed, experts believe that oral bacteria produce certain compounds that elevate blood sugar.
• Premature births: If you are a pregnant woman with gum disease, you are far more likely to have a premature or low-birth weight baby. Additionally, the presence of any sort of infection is always cause for concern during pregnancy.

Protect Your Oral Health

Scheduling your biannual dental appointments is one of the most important things you can do to ensure oral and physical health. Contact us today at (512)346-4690 to book your appointment. We proudly serve Austin, Round Rock, and the surrounding communities.