Fighting Back Against Gum Disease

In its early stages, gum disease is almost always reversible with a periodontist near Westlake. Unfortunately, if you do not see a dentist and your gum disease is allowed to progress, it will eventually develop into more severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease leads to an increased risk of heart disease, some cancers, and diabetes while wreaking havoc on your dental health. Keep reading to find out how your dental professional can help you to fight back against gum disease for a healthier smile.

Schedule Professional Cleaning

Scheduling professional teeth cleanings are the best way to prevent gum disease from ever occurring. Only your dentist has the tools necessary to completely remove plaque from your teeth and gums. When this sticky bacterial film is allowed to accumulate, it eventually causes gum disease and tooth decay. Patients who visit their general dentistry office for regular dental exams are also more likely to have their gum disease detected before it seriously affects their oral health. Your dentist will test for the early signs of gum disease during every visit by measuring pockets in the gum tissue.

Practice Good Habits

As your dentist will tell you, simply brushing and flossing your teeth as directed will also go a long way towards warding off gum disease. Dentists advise patients of all ages to brush teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste. You should also floss every night before bed using an ADA-approved dental floss. By practicing good oral health habits, you will remove the tiny food particles that eventually cause plaque and tartar to build up. Even if you already have gingivitis, brushing and flossing can reverse its course before it becomes a serious issue.

Know Medical History

To fight back against gum disease, always discuss your full medical history with your periodontist. Your periodontist needs to know if you have a personal or family history of gum disease, heart disease, or diabetes. Diabetic patients are so likely to suffer from the periodontal disease that dentists now consider gum disease to be a side effect of diabetes. However, by keeping your blood sugar in check, you can significantly decrease your risk of suffering from periodontal complications.