Gum Disease Prevention – Waverly, IA
Maintain Strong Oral Health for Years to Come
About half of all adults in the United States will develop gum disease at some point in their lives. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease occurs when plaque builds up in the mouth. Plaque is filled with bacteria that inflame the gums and weaken the structures keeping the teeth rooted in the gums, eventually leading to teeth that loosen or fall out altogether. Not only that, but gum disease is associated with various other medical conditions, like diabetes and heart disease. Fortunately, gum disease can be avoidable. Here at Smiley Family Dentistry, we believe that proper preventive care is the best way to maintain strong oral health for years to come. Keep reading below to learn some easy tips for gum disease prevention in Waverly.
Why Choose Smiley Family Dentistry for Gum Disease Prevention?
- Keep Your Natural Teeth for Years to Come
- Compassionate Dentist with Years of Experience
- Judgment-Free Dental Office
Keep Up with an Oral Hygiene Routine
Failing to brush or floss for even 12 hours can cause plaque in your mouth to harden into tartar, which can’t be removed by yourself, only by a dental professional. Bacteria can then wreak havoc on your oral health. Plaque, however, can be disrupted with diligent dental hygiene. Ideally, you should brush your teeth first thing in the morning and last thing before bed, taking care to also brush your tongue and along your gumline. Floss at least once daily to prevent plaque buildup between your teeth. It may help to rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to target bacteria in areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss can’t reach.
Quit Using Tobacco Products
Research has shown that people who smoke or chew tobacco are more than twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop gum disease. Not to mention, tobacco uses increases your risk of oral cancer, gives you bad breath, and stains your teeth. In short, there’s no good reason to continue smoking. If you need help kicking the habit, Dr. Smiley will be more than happy to provide resources to assist you.
Know Your Risk
Tobacco use isn’t the only major risk factor for gum disease. In general, older adults are more likely to get it, as well as those who consume a lot of sugary foods and beverages. Certain medical conditions, like both types of diabetes, can also increase your risk. Additionally, some people are simply more genetically predisposed than others to develop oral health problems. Discussing your medical history with Dr. Smiley can help him determine your risk and how often you should come in for cleanings.
Attend Regular Dental Checkups
Most people need to visit their dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months, but if you’ve had gum disease before, or you have one of the risk factors mentioned above, you may need to come in more often than that. At these appointments, we can evaluate your mouth for early warning signs of gum disease and treat it before serious damage is done. Our hygienists can also remove built-up plaque and tartar that contribute to gum disease. If it has been more than a few months since your last teeth cleaning, call us today to schedule yours!