Posted: June 15, 2023
No one wants to have bleeding gums or bad breath. Unfortunately, poor oral hygiene can cause early tooth decay, which leads to sore gums and halitosis. When you have poor oral hygiene, you may develop periodontal disease. You can prevent the development of periodontal disease by following a few simple dental practices.
Tips to Prevent Periodontal Disease
Brush Your Teeth Regularly
You must brush your teeth at least twice a day to get rid of oral bacteria. Depending on your diet and whether you have orthodontic appliances (e.g., braces, InvisalignⓇ), you may need to brush your teeth more frequently than twice a day, such as after every meal.
Floss
Most people know to brush their teeth, but many people forget to floss. However, flossing between your teeth is just as important as brushing them. It is easy for food to get trapped between your teeth. If you do not extract the food from these spaces, your teeth will have a buildup of plaque and bacteria.
Modify Your Diet
If you enjoy eating sweets and sticky foods, such as donuts and gummies, it is wise to cut back on them. Consuming too many sweets increases your risk of developing cavities. Not to mention, if your teeth have pits and fissures, it is harder to brush away sugary foods that adhere to them. If sugary foods are allowed to remain on your teeth for too long, your teeth will start to rot over time.
See a Dentist
Even if you follow all of the dental suggestions above, we still advise you to see a dentist. If you have not visited a dentist within the last six months, there may be dental issues developing that you cannot see. Only a dentist can examine your teeth and assess whether a disease or other teeth-related issues are present. Furthermore, you’ll need to see a dentist regularly for teeth cleanings, which are a vital part of preventing periodontal disease.
General Dentistry Services in Lakewood, CO
Taking care of your teeth is essential to maintaining your overall health–not just oral health. The bacteria that causes periodontal disease can spread to other parts of your body and cause life-threatening illnesses. The best preventative measure to stop periodontal disease from developing is to see a dentist regularly. Call Scott Greenhalgh DDS at 303-988-9060 to schedule a dentist appointment today.
