When we don’t take proper care of our smiles, they could become susceptible to periodontal disease. At the moment, we can’t offer professional cleanings. However, there are steps you can take from home to protect your smile until your Woodland Hills, CA, dentist can see you again. In today’s blog, we’re going to look at the warning signs of trouble, and how to protect your gums!
The Causes of Poor Periodontal Health
What causes our gum health to suffer? Often, factors in our daily life could lead to inflammation, in which the gingival tissue begins to feel sore, look red, or bleed easily. As the inflammation grows worse, this could allow the tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. When bacteria enter these exposed pockets, then gum disease could develop. While gingivitis is reversible, gum disease is not, and treatment is need to manage the disease and prevent the advanced stage, periodontitis, which could cause adult tooth loss. Common factors behind these issues include inflammation due to plaque buildup, which could form as a result of poor daily care and a diet high in sugar and starch. Inflammatory illnesses, certain medications, a family history of poor periodontal health, and the use of tobacco products could increase the risk of periodontal issues.
Preventive Actions
First, make sure you take time to brush your teeth when you wake and once more before bed for about two minutes each session. Doing so helps remove food particles that feed harmful bacteria and allow plaque buildup to occur. Be sure you floss too, as this removes the bits of food stuck between the teeth or along the gum line that toothbrush bristles may be unable to reach. You need to floss up and down each side of every tooth, dipping below the gum line when you do. Be sure to cut back on sugary foods and drinks as well.
When to Schedule a Visit
When our doors open, let us know when you experience sore, red, or bleeding gums. We can schedule an exam and cleaning to assess your risk, either reversing gingivitis or creating a treatment plan to manage your periodontal disease and prevent issues like tooth loss from occurring in the future. In the meantime, we can still see you for emergency issues, like damaged teeth or serious aches and sensitivity!
Do You Have Questions About Periodontal Disease?
We know that routine care from home can help protect your smile from a myriad of serious oral health concerns. For more information on safeguarding your teeth and gums from home, please schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.