Are you really taking care of your gums? When a person’s periodontal health is not properly managed, it can lead to consequences that may surprise you. Did you know that complications from periodontal disease can lead to the loss of teeth? Did you know that when gum disease progresses past gingivitis, and into a condition known as periodontitis, it can become a permanent problem that has to be managed? Your Shrewsbury, MA dentist helps patients with dental and periodontal health matters. You can help yourself to avoid potential complications from gum disease by making smart daily decisions.
1. Make Sure You Floss Once A Day
If flossing is not happening on a daily basis, your smile can be more vulnerable to tartar and plaque buildup than you might realize. The spaces between our teeth are difficult to clean with your toothbrush, but the oral bacteria that gather in our mouths can make their way into these areas. Because of this, tartar and plaque accumulation can occur at the bases of teeth in areas that are hard to clean by brushing alone. By flossing at least once per day, you can take care of these spaces and stop an infection from occurring.
2. Thoroughly Clean At Your Gum Line When You Brush
What kind of motion do you use when you brush? Moving the brush head at a forty five degree angle over the surfaces of teeth, and making sure to clean at your gum line, can help you prevent gingivitis from occurring. To further ensure that you are seeing the most benefits possible from this routine, consider the following:
- Brush for at least two minutes at least twice a day
- Replace a toothbrush that you have used for more than three months, or one with bristles that appear to be worn
- Confirm that the toothpaste you use contains fluoride
3. Watch Out For The Early Warning Signs Of Gingivitis
Your dentist can identify the signs of periodontal disease during a routine dental exam. If an infection has developed, an ultrasonic scaling can take care of the bacteria beneath your gums that are responsible for your condition. You can actually watch out for gingivitis between visits, too. Pay attention to issues like tissues that bleed easily, problems with swelling or discoloration, or a change in your gum line. When you notice that gingivitis is occurring, it can be a sign that your current daily routine is not as effective as it should be.
Your Shrewsbury, MA Dentist Provides Smile Care That Can Protect Your Teeth And Gums
At our Shrewsbury, MA dental office, we are proud to serve our community when it comes to delivering smile care. If you would like to learn more, reach out to Modern Dentistry Of Shrewsbury in Shrewsbury, MA by calling (508) 842-8838.
