Periodontal disease is a very common oral health issue, one that impacts over half of adults aged 30 and older. Without treatment, the disease grows more severe and could reach a stage responsible for adult tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Syosset, NY, dentist explains what you can do to help protect your smile from periodontal disease.
The Causes of Periodontal Disease
First, let’s talk about how the disease forms. Initially, it starts as inflammation, also known as gingivitis. At this stage, your gums could appear redder than usual, and could feel sore or bleed easily. A deep cleaning could reverse the issue, but if it remains untreated the tissue could pull away from the teeth to form pockets for bacteria to enter. Periodontal disease then forms, and a cure is now out of reach. However, we can offer care to manage it and prevent discomfort or tooth loss. Major factors behind gingivitis and the disease include inflammatory illnesses, certain medications, tobacco use, or poor oral hygiene habits, which lets plaque buildup accumulate and inflame the gingival tissues. The causes vary, but there are ways to help avoid the disease.
Preventing the Disease
First, make sure you brush when you wake up and then again before bed. Even more vital, you need to floss thoroughly every evening. These actions remove food particles and reduce the severity of plaque buildup. When you see us every six months for a cleaning, we then remove all plaque and tartar completely. These actions help protect the gum tissues from inflammation. You could also help by avoiding tobacco products, eating a healthier diet, and letting us know if you suffer from any inflammatory illnesses or take medications linked to inflammation.
Deep Cleaning
We mentioned the deep cleaning above, but if you begin to notice soreness or bleeding, we can use this to reverse gingivitis and prevent the disease. Essentially, we use the same ultrasonic scaling device and manual tool employed in traditional cleanings, but we can remove buildup from the roots as well. This could take one visit, or up to four, depending on how severe the buildup has become. We then polish the teeth as well. With care at home and in our office, you can help prevent the disease, preserving the health and stability of your smile.
If you have any questions, or have exhibited the warning signs we discussed, then contact our team today by giving us a call. We can schedule a consultation and exam to help restore your smile!
Syosset Dental Wants to Help Prevent Periodontal Disease
Better care at home and regular care at our office could help prevent periodontal disease. If you have questions about how we help you avoid dental disease, then contact our Syosset, NY dental office today at 516-433-2211.
