LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR PREVENTING PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal disease can affect your candidacy for procedures like veneers, dental implants, and gum grafting, and this condition can also lead to a host of additional dental problems. For these reasons, preventing gum disease should be a priority for all patients. If you’re concerned about periodontal disease in Belmont, then read on for some helpful lifestyle tips.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Preventing gum disease starts with good brushing and flossing habits. Gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of periodontal disease, develops when plaque is allowed to accumulate along your gum line, where it irritates the tissues and causes them to swell up and become tender. When you brush your teeth twice a day every day and floss between your teeth, this helps stop plaque from building up. To help prevent gum disease through good oral hygiene, remember to floss once daily, brush twice daily, and see your dentist every 6 months for cleanings.

Quit Your Smoking Habit

Any doctor will tell you that there are countless good reasons for you to stop smoking if you’re concerned about your health. This goes for gum disease as well because smoking doubles your risk for this condition and your risk increases further the more that you smoke. Smoking inhibits the ability of your gums to heal themselves, meaning that just a small amount of plaque on your teeth can initiate a destructive cycle of infection that can lead to problems like cavities and tooth loss.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Research has indicated that leading a lifestyle that is good for your overall health may decrease your risk of developing periodontitis. According to an article from The Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice 2006 issue, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, and getting regular exercise may reduce the prevalence of periodontal disease. Because of this, it makes sense to make changes that can improve your overall health if you want to protect your mouth from gum disease.