Maintaining Oral Health: 7 Strategies to Safeguard Against Periodontal Disease

Maintaining cavity-free teeth doesn’t necessarily ensure freedom from periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a significant infection arising from the inflammation of the gums and the subsequent loss of tissues and bones around the teeth.

The deterioration of crucial tooth components, namely gum tissues and bones, occurs once the inflammatory damage affects the tooth root.

Canley Heights Dental Care takes pride in offering guidance on promoting gum health and effectively preventing periodontal disease.

Your Gum Health and Overall Health

Health professionals emphasise that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can trigger a range of issues throughout the body, including diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. Therefore, maintaining proper oral hygiene habits and identifying signs of compromised gum health are crucial steps to prevent further complications.

Indicators of Unhealthy Gums:

• Gums that easily bleed
• Swollen, inflamed, or reddened appearance
• Teeth sensitivity to hot and cold substances
• Discomfort while chewing
• Dentures no longer fit properly

Signs of Healthy Gums:

• Gums displaying a light coral shade of pink
• Firm and snug around the teeth
• Minimal to no bleeding

Common Contributors to Unhealthy Gums:

• Smoking and tobacco use
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Stress
• Genetic predisposition
• Obesity
• Certain medicines(such as antidepressants, some heart medications, etc.)

7 Ways to Prevent Periodontal Disease

The following habits can help if you’re having issues with your gums’ health.

#1. Take care of your teeth at home.

Periodontal disease often happens when you don’t care for your teeth well. Brush your teeth two times a day, floss once daily, and use a fluoride mouthwash daily. Choose a mouthwash your dentist recommends to keep gum problems away. Also, remember to change your toothbrush every two to three months.

#2. Clean your tongue with a tongue scraper.

Removing harmful bacteria in your mouth prevents cavities and gum issues. Using a tongue scraper helps remove this harmful bacteria, making your tongue look and feel better. Scraping your tongue also helps with taste, reduces bad breath, and improves overall mouth health.

#3. Eat and drink wisely.

Some foods and drinks are better for your overall health and your teeth. Instead of having sugary treats, choose tooth-friendly options like green tea, salmon, cauliflower, broccoli, guava, strawberries, carrots, and celery. These choices benefit your body and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

#4. Rinse your mouth after eating.

If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth with water after eating. This lowers the risk of bacteria and plaque buildup between brushes. There are special mouthwashes that can help, too.

#5. Quit smoking and using tobacco.

Smoking and using tobacco are harmful to your gums and overall health. If you smoke, you’re twice as likely to get gum disease, and it’s harder to treat once you have it. Quitting tobacco is a crucial step in treating gum disease.

#6. See your dentist every six months.

Even if you take care of your teeth at home, you can’t reach some areas. Visiting your dentist every six months is the next important step in keeping your mouth healthy. They can clean your teeth professionally, going tricky spots. Your Canley Heights dentist can also check for early signs of gum problems that you might overlook.

#7. Recognise the warning signs

It’s crucial to notice the early signs of gum disease to deal with it sooner. Signs like gums bleeding, gums pulling back, long-lasting bad breath, and pain when chewing are common. If you have any of these issues, make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Starting treatment early increases the chances of getting rid of gum disease successfully.

Periodontal Care in Canley Heights

Taking care of your teeth is essential for your mouth and whole body. Follow the suggestions mentioned earlier to reduce the chance of periodontal disease. Talk to your dentist for more advice on preventing gum problems.

At Canley Heights Dental Care, we offer services to maintain the health of your teeth and avoid dental issues.

Visit your Canley Heights dentist today!

Call us on (02) 9199 9678 or request your appointment online.

We are located at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.