Periodontal disease can take a toll on the appearance of your smile as well as your oral health as a whole. The scary thing about periodontal disease is that it often progresses asymptomatically in its earliest stages. That is why Glendale gum disease dentists are here to give you the information you need to protect your smile long-term.
What causes gum disease?
As a starting point, we should quickly review how gum disease develops. When we use the term “gum disease” we are really talking about a chronic bacterial infection of gum tissue. So, just as your teeth can develop cavities, your gums can be damaged by bacteria. Patients with compromised immune systems, or fluctuating glucose levels are particularly susceptible to developing gum infections. If your diet is high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, you are also putting your smile at risk, as oral bacteria use these substances to grow and multiply.
How I protect my smile from gum disease?
There are a number of steps that you can take to minimize your risk of developing gum disease. It is best to complete a professional consultation with your dental team, so that they can give you specific recommendations, but generally speaking:
- Limit your consumption of sugar
- Drink plenty of water
- Seek treatment for ailments that affect your glucose levels, like diabetes
- Rinse your smile with water after eating or drinking
- Floss once a day as directed by the ADA
- Follow all of your dentist’s recommendations when it comes to at-home dental care
- Complete professional cleanings semi-annually
- Consider using a mouth rinse that is designed to kill bacteria
Every patient is unique, which is why our Glendale dentists encourage you to schedule a personal consultation with our team. We are here to help you make a plan that protects your smile from chronic gum disease. Give us a call to get started!