Gum disease is caused by bacteria infiltrating the gumline and the tissue below. This condition can cause discomfort and pain, eventually leading to tooth loss if left untreated. 

Fortunately, periodontal therapy provides treatment options for different stages of gum disease. Combining proactive prevention with periodontal therapy when needed can effectively protect your smile.

What is periodontal therapy?

Periodontal therapy is a specialized type of dentistry that focuses on treating periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease. It entails a wide range of dental procedures aimed at treating and preventing this disease. Many of these procedures focus on keeping the gumline clean and free of the bacteria responsible for gum disease.

Scaling and root planing are among the most common periodontal therapy treatments, providing a deep clean and removing plaque and tartar from deep gum pockets. As gum disease advances into periodontitis, more serious treatments like gum surgery may be necessary.

Periodontal therapy for gum disease is highly effective at preventing and treating the condition. It can help you avoid and eliminate infection and inflammation, providing strong, healthy, and comfortable gums. Tackling this disease offers a variety of overall health benefits as well, as the condition has been linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

3 Key Ways to Fight Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease from progressing—or developing in the first place—is possible with the right approach to your lifestyle and oral hygiene. Keep these three tips in mind to combat gum disease.

1. Maintain a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine

Keeping up with consistent oral hygiene is essential when it comes to how to stop gum disease effectively. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque from your teeth and gumline. Plaque deposits harbor bacteria, which cause both gum disease and tooth decay. Managing that bacteria through oral hygiene reduces your risk of both.

When brushing, ensure you do so twice daily for two minutes each time. You can’t brush harder to save time. Doing so actually damages your teeth. 

Floss at least once each day. Ensure you choose a long enough piece of floss, use a fresh section for each tooth, and don’t skip over any gaps when flossing.

Mouthwash is an excellent addition to your oral health routine. It reduces bacteria levels in your mouth and helps reach nooks and crannies that might have been missed. However, keep in mind that mouthwash isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing, but instead something extra to add to your routine.

2. Opt for Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning are key elements of preventing gum disease. During your visit, your dentist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and around the gumline. This process eliminates deposits that regular brushing can’t, providing optimal protection.

Early detection is also a crucial part of gum disease treatment. When you go for a regular checkup, your dentist will look for signs of gum disease. Redness, swelling, bleeding gums, and other early symptoms can indicate gum disease. Getting treatment as early as possible allows for minimally invasive procedures and the best outcomes.

Your dentist will also identify whether you could benefit from changes in oral hygiene practices and provide helpful advice. Personalized advice from your dentist is highly valuable in taking the best possible care of your gums and teeth.

3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle

There are many ways that a healthy lifestyle provides you with strong and healthy gums. For example, avoiding foods high in sugar helps manage bacteria levels and reduces risk. 

You should also include a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. This ensures you get all the vitamins and minerals to support oral health.

Smoking and alcohol consumption are among the most significant risk factors for gum disease, along with a wide range of other health concerns. Smoking affects how well your gums cling to your teeth and can allow pockets to form that harbor bacteria, while alcohol consumption reduces saliva flow, which also allows bacteria to thrive. Avoiding these harmful habits can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease.

Managing your stress and overall health also plays an important role in preventing gum disease. Stress contributes to inflammation in the body, which leaves you more susceptible to periodontal disease and infection in general. Practices such as regular exercise, proper sleep, and meditation can go a long way to improve your overall health—and your oral health with it.

Gum care is available at your family dentist near Wilson, North Carolina.

Taking the right steps today can help you avoid gum disease down the line, providing you with a solid foundation for lasting oral health. Maintaining oral hygiene, making smart health choices, and keeping up with routine visits to your dentist in Wilson, North Carolina, all aid in gum disease prevention. Dixon, Boles & Associates has provided North Carolina families with exceptional dental care since 1974. Book your next appointment with us to safeguard your oral health today.