Nobody likes finding out they have gum disease or that they require treatment. Fortunately, avoiding this problem is exceptionally easy as long as you know what to do and what to avoid to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy and comfortable. You may wonder about periodontal disease prevention – isn’t brushing and flossing every day enough? Even if you take excellent care of your teeth and gums, that may not be enough, though home care is certainly an essential factor in protecting your smile. So to make sure that smile remains healthy and beautiful for years to come, we encourage you to look over the following simple steps to prevent periodontal disease:
Step #1: Brush (And Do It Correctly)
You will need to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing after meals is also helpful, as long as you wait approximately 30 minutes before doing so to avoid pressing debris and bacteria into your teeth and gums. Make sure you’re using a soft-bristle brush that you are replacing once every three months or sooner if the brush looks shabby.
Step #2 and #3: Floss and Rinse
Use approximately 1½ feet of dental floss, cleaning between all of your teeth with a fresh segment of floss as you go. Finish your dental hygiene at home with mouthwash. Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash containing essential oil.
Step #4: Watch Your Diet
Avoid starch and sugar – these may cause the bacteria in your mouth to proliferate at a faster rate, which may cause periodontal disease to come on much quicker.
Step #5: Visit Us Consistently
We suggest exams and cleanings not only because we love seeing your beautiful smiles but also because they help you avoid periodontal disease. First, you cannot completely remove plaque – the leading cause of gum disease – at home, even with your best efforts. Twice annual professional dental cleanings will ensure your mouth is completely clean. Also, if your gums have become inflamed, we will detect and treat the problem immediately rather than allowing it to blossom into periodontal disease.
ABOUT YOUR AUSTIN LASER DENTIST:
At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale provides a full range of dental services including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic, with a focus in gentle dentistry. To schedule an appointment or consultation, contact our Austin Dental office at 512-346-4690. Austin Laser Dentist is proud to serve patients from Austin, Round Rock, and surrounding communities.
