How Periodontists In The Bay Area Prevent Gum Disease

Having been a dental assistant for several years, I can, with authority, share with you some important tips on how to prevent gum disease.

First, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing thoroughly helps to remove plaque from the surface of the tooth before it hardens into calculus. Be sure to clean all sides of your teeth and include your tongue when you brush. When there is plaque on the tongue, the plaque leads to bad breath and encourages bacteria to grow quickly in the mouth.

Second, use a fluoride toothpaste. Flouride helps to prevent tooth decay. Many dentists recommend Crest and it comes in many safe and effective varieties.

Third, floss your teeth every day. Flossing is important because it’s the only way the plaque between your teeth can be removed.

Fourth, always use a mouthwash. Using a mouth wash also helps to prevent plaque and cuts down on the bacteria in your mouth that comes from food and beverages. And, using a mouthwash helps to prevent indigestion.

Fifth, see your periodontist in the Bay Area twice a year. Regular checkups each year will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent little problems turning into big ones.

Sixth, eat healthy and that includes eating whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and stay away, when possible, from sugar laced beverages and snacks because sugar can cause great damage. Good things to eat are: peanuts, milk, yogurt and cheese-especially Mozzarella.

Seventh, if you smoke or chew tobacco, give it up! Tobacco lowers your defense against disease and slows down the healing process when you’re sick. And, it is a known fact that tobacco users are six times more likely to develop gum disease…And, as a bonus for not smoking, you will keep those ugly yellow stains that come from smoking, away from your smile.

Eighth but most important, hold fast to a daily habit of keeping your teeth clean, attractive and healthy; not just for a beautiful smile and warding off gum disease but to also prevent heart disease.