Periodontal Gum Disease Prevention Long Beach, CA

Periodontal (gum) disease affects a large portion of American adults. The disease is classified by a dentist as mild, moderate, or severe. Gingivitis, the mild form, irritates and causes bleeding from the gums, often after brushing or flossing, but the severe form can result in lost teeth and serious health consequences.

Gum disease is also progressive; once it starts, it worsens over time if not treated. Prevention is the best strategy for dealing with gum disease in Long Beach.

What’s The Best Way To Prevent Periodontal Disease?

Most people can prevent periodontal disease through good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash at least once a day, and daily flossing. A WaterPik can be substituted for floss. Regular cleanings and exams at our office in Long Beach will also prevent gum disease.

In addition, crooked and overcrowded teeth can make you more susceptible to gum disease, so orthodontic work to correct your teeth placement, if necessary, may be a good idea.

Some people with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or immune disorders, are more prone to developing periodontal disease and may need to be more stringent about their oral hygiene and visit us more often for exams and cleanings.

Dr. Omid and his team will let you know if they think you need an altered regimen.

Why Is Preventing Periodontal Disease Important?

Prevention is always easier than treatment. Treating periodontal disease can be an intense process that can involve many different procedures from deep cleanings to surgery. Teeth may need to be extracted if the disease is severe enough when treatment begins.

Beyond the dental consequences, gum disease also has effects on your overall health. The bacteria involved in periodontal disease can spread from your gums into your bloodstream. This can lead to cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. It can also cause respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and even predispose you to developing diabetes.

Luckily, these negative outcomes can be avoided by preventing periodontal disease in the first place.

Can My Diet Affect Periodontal Disease?

The diet you eat plays a role in the development of periodontal disease. The sugar in the foods we consume feeds the bacteria that live in our mouths and on our teeth. This causes the development of plaque and tartar and can eventually result in periodontal disease.

The more sugar you consume, the more likely you are to develop gum disease. Therefore, you should eat a low-sugar diet if you want to reduce your chances of developing it. This type of diet is also healthier for you in many other ways.

Does Age and Genetics Impact Periodontal Disease?

You do become more prone to developing periodontal disease as you age. Heredity has also been shown to play a role in how susceptible someone is to the disease. That said, it’s still possible to prevent periodontal disease with good hygiene and regular dental visits.

How Does Smoking Impact Gum Health?

Smoking increases your chances of developing periodontal disease many times over. Current smokers are more than three times as likely as people who’ve never smoked to develop it. Former smokers have twice as much risk as nonsmokers.

Quitting smoking will improve your oral health tremendously!

How Much Does Preventing Periodontal Disease Cost?

Preventing periodontal disease is much less expensive than treating it. The primary costs are toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss or a WaterPik. You should also visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. The latter is often free if you have dental insurance.

Find Out If You Have Periodontal Disease!

Schedule an appointment at our Long Beach dentist office by calling (562) 373-0026 today!