Periodontal disease is the advanced stage of gum disease and is a serious condition that infects the gums and damages soft tissue. Some of the symptoms of periodontal disease are inflammation, swelling and redness within the gums. The underlying gum tissue helps to keep teeth in place, and when they recede, it can leave your gums exposed to a dangerous infection that can penetrate in and around the bloodstream as well.
Luckily, periodontal disease can be prevented. If you’re concerned by any signs of periodontal disease, then naturally you would need to contact the dentist as soon as possible. At home, you can perform these prevention steps right now.
Your Oral Hygiene
Prevent periodontal disease by improving your oral routine. One of the main culprits of gum disease is due to not looking after your teeth properly with quality oral hygiene. At a minimum, this includes brushing your teeth day and night with a soft bristle brush, flossing food debris in between your teeth, and keeping your mouth clean throughout the day. Eventually, dental plaque will begin to form around your teeth, which is the first sign of gum disease.
Stop or Avoid Smoking
Smoking is a key cause of periodontal disease. When dental plaque forms, cigarettes will harden the plaque into tartar. Smoking also weakens your immune system. This makes it difficult for your body to fight off infection and damaging your gums.
Regular Stress
If you’re finding life to be stressful, well this also impacts your immune system. Stress also means that you’re likely to neglect your oral health. When this happens, you’re introducing the opportunity for infection and bacteria to penetrate in and around the gums.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet comprising healthy properties such as calcium is vital to your oral health. You must reduce your sugar and acidic levels in your food and drink, Foods that are high in fat can also gum inflammation. Consume vegetables such as avocado, fatty fish, raw fruits, nuts and lean meats. This is really important if you’re a diabetic patient as well.
Visit The Dentist Regularly
Whilst looking after your teeth and gums at home, having a dental professional examining your teeth and gums should be considered a trump card. The dentist can pinpoint any issues with your oral health straightaway and provide you with advice and potential treatment plans to protect your gums.
There is a greater chance of fighting off infection and bacteria with a healthy immune system. Regular physical activity, strong oral hygiene and a balanced diet are the keys to this. Take the step of making these lifestyle changes to save your smile.
If you’re in need of a dental check-up with a Pennant Hills dentist, simply click here to get started!