Did you know that with a few simple steps each day, you could lower your risk of gum disease and other oral health issues? In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist will discuss how we help prevent or manage gum disease, keeping your smile whole, healthy, and beautiful. We’re also looking at the steps you can take at home!
-
Brush and Floss
When we brush and floss, we remove stray food particles from our smile. This prevents bacteria from breaking down the particles, a process that elevates oral acidity and leads to plaque buildup, a bacterial byproduct that could inflame the gum tissues, leading to gingivitis and gum disease. You should brush when you wake up and again before bed, for about two minutes each session using a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing is also essential! You should floss up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line. You can use a floss tape or a pick, or even a water flosser.
-
Avoid Tobacco
When you smoke cigarettes and use other tobacco products, this could worsen inflammation and lead to the advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. This stage is linked to loosened and missing teeth, causing major oral health issues with your smile! Quitting helps protect your smile, and also lowers your risk of developing several different forms of cancer.
-
Eat a Healthier Diet
When you cut back on sugary and starchy foods and drinks, you deprive harmful oral bacteria of a meal, and lower your risk of tooth decay, infection, and yes, issues like gingivitis and gum disease. You should add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, and for snacks choose whole grain crackers and bread, low-fat yogurts, cheeses, nuts, and sugar-free gum. Also, be sure to drink more water and cut back on beverages high in sugars and harmful acids, including sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks.
-
Have Your Teeth Cleaned
Brushing and flossing helps control plaque buildup and keep your smile healthy, but you cannot remove the buildup itself with brushing and flossing. However, with a professional cleaning we can remove all plaque and tartar with an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool. Removing the buildup then helps protect your smile from periodontal issues, while also fighting bad breath and teeth stains. If you have any questions about our professional dental cleanings or about how we fight periodontal disease, then contact our team today.
Do You Need a Dental Cleaning?
We want to help you maintain a strong and whole smile, and that includes periodontal disease prevention. For more information on our approach to preventive dental care, including our six-month checkup and cleaning visits, then call the office of James Stewart, DDS in Livonia, MI, today at (734) 425-4400.