Preventing Periodontal Disease
Brushing twice daily and flossing every evening using proper technique will help remove a lot of plaque.
But even the most diligent brusher and flosser may have a hard time cleaning off all the plaque, especially the plaque that hides under the gumline. You can improve your chances of staving off periodontal disease by getting twice-yearly professional dental cleanings from one of our excellent dental hygienists as recommended by the American Dental Association. So what if you brush and floss and get your regular cleanings like you are supposed to and still get periodontal disease? Other factors can contribute to and cause a predisposition to gum disease:
- Smoking automatically increases your odds of developing gum disease. If you need help quitting, talk to your dentist.
- Diabetes and heart disease have both been linked to periodontal disease.
- Numerous prescription medications are known to cause dry mouth, which can contribute to gum disease.
- Illnesses that inhibit your immune system, including cancer, increase your chances of developing periodontal disease.
- Genetics also play a role. Gum disease tends to run in families.
