How to Prevent Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that attacks the bones and gums around the teeth. Many people who have this disease will end up losing their teeth. In fact, the top cause of tooth loss in adults is periodontal disease. The good news is that periodontal disease can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle. Below are some tips for preventing periodontal disease. A trusted Clarksville TN dentist from Carter Periodontics can help you if you are struggling with a periodontal disease.

Brush/Floss

Brushing and flossing are two of the basic things that you can do to prevent periodontal disease. You will need to use fluoride-containing toothpaste when you brush. Brushing is something that needs to be done at least twice a day. You should floss a minimum of one time per day. When you brush and floss your teeth, you remove plaque. Plaque buildup can cause inflammation around the gums.

Do Not Smoke

Smoking is bad for your entire body, and that includes your mouth. Smoking is strongly correlated with gum disease. In fact, nearly 42 percent of the people who are diagnosed with gum disease are current smokers. Eleven percent of the people who are diagnosed with gum disease are former smokers. Therefore, if you smoke, then you can drastically cut your risk of developing gum disease by quitting.

Healthy Eating

Your diet can also have a positive or negative effect on the health of your teeth and gums. You should reduce the amount of sugar that you consume. You should also try to avoid eating very sugary foods in between meals. Celery, onion, green tea and dairy products are examples of foods that are good for your teeth.

I Have Gum Disease. What Do I Do Now?

If you have periodontal disease, then you may be required to have gum surgery. You should contact Carter Periodontics and Implant Dentistry if you are looking for a Clarksville TN dentist.