Preventing Gum Disease: Beyond Brushing and Flossing

Gum disease problems start off small, but can quickly snowball to cause serious issues for your teeth and overall oral health. In many instances, these problems can be prevented with some better choices about health, wellbeing, and your hygiene routine.

Stopping gum disease in its tracks takes some simple steps, beyond the standard routine of brushing and flossing, which include:

Making Smart Diet Choices – Certain foods, such as leafy greens, create a natural scrubbing effect when consumed that keeps teeth clear of debris, which can settle on enamel and develop below the gum line. Making better diet choices helps to prevent the development of bacteria and acid that damage teeth and soft tissue and is also wise for your overall well-being.

Reducing or Eliminating Bad Habits – Smoking, in particular, or use of any tobacco products elevates your risk for gum disease. While that may seem minor compared to the other health risks of smoking, gum disease directly contributes to tooth loss, which is a difficult health problem for many dental patients.

Asking Your Doctor about Medications You’re Using – Certain hormonal medications can increase your chances for gum disease by creating dry mouth. Patients with dry mouth do not have enough natural saliva to sweep away debris and bacteria throughout the day, allowing these materials to rest on teeth and soft tissue for longer than normal. If you are on medication that could present oral health problems, ask your doctor or our dental office about the best ways to combat problematic side effects.

Increasing Routine Dental Visits – While visiting the dentist more than twice a year might not be high on your priority list, it’s essential if you’re at an elevated risk for periodontal problems. Boosting the number of times you visit the dentist for an exam and cleaning allows us to keep an eye on your oral health and thoroughly clean teeth more often, therefore giving bacteria and plaque less of an opportunity to damage your health.

For patients whose soft tissue health has declined, seeking treatment as early as possible helps you keep your natural teeth and restore your overall oral health.  Treatments like deep cleanings and even periodontal surgery can help you keep your teeth and enjoy improved health.

For more information on how our Dallas dentist, Dr. Jeff Colquitt, helps prevent and treat gum disease, contact our office for your next dental appointment.