Routine care at home does more than just strengthen your teeth and avoid the onset of issues like tooth decay or dental infection. In fact, these steps also help safeguard your smile and overall health from serious concerns like periodontal disease. In today’s blog, your Overland Park, KS, dentist talks about preventing gum disease from home!
The Factors Behind Poor Periodontal Health
What puts our smiles at risk of developing gum disease? Often, our daily activities and habits could increase our risk. For example, foods high in sugar and starch could leave particles on and between the teeth for bacteria to consume. Once this happens, oral acidity rises and the teeth become coated in plaque. Not only does plaque lead to a higher risk of cavities, but plaque also irritates and inflames your gum tissues. Smiles could develop gingivitis, or inflammation, and unless addressed, pockets could form at the gum line for bacteria to enter, leading to periodontal disease. Along with poor oral hygiene, other potential factors behind poor gum health include smoking and tobacco use, certain medications, family history of periodontal issues, and inflammatory illnesses.
Protecting Your Smile with Floss
Often, something as minor as flossing each night before bed could help safeguard your oral health. When we floss, we extract the bits of food caught between the teeth. You should take an 18-inch length of floss, wrap each end around your index finger, and hold it taut with your thumbs. Then move the tape up and down each side of every tooth, and move briefly below the gum line when you do. In addition, you need to brush your teeth for two minutes when you wake and again before bed as well. These actions helps reduce the severity of plaque buildup. When our doors open again, we will see you for a dental cleaning to remove all plaque and tartar, keeping your smile bright and healthy.
When to Talk to Your Dentist About Emergency Care
We’re here for your dental emergency situations, helping restore the health and function of your smile with restorations that also offer a lifelike appearance. If you have a cavity or infection, or a damaged tooth, we can use fillings, bonding, root canals, and crowns among other options to return smiles to optimal health and function. If you have any questions about fighting gum disease from home, or about when you can see us again for treatment, contact our team today.
Do You Have Questions About Periodontal Health?
We want to make sure you understand how to protect your smile from issues like gingivitis and gum disease. To learn more about strengthening your teeth and gums from home, then schedule your consultation by calling Family First Dental in Overland Park, KS, today at 913-381-2600.