4 Ways to Prevent Periodontal Disease

What if we told you that there’s a disease impacting 47.2 percent of the American population over the age of 30? What if we told you the prevalence of that condition increases to 70.1% in people 65 and over? You might not believe us, right? Most people assume if there was a health condition running that rampant across the country, we would all be on high alert. 

Actually, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have data showing that’s precisely the reality on the ground. And the condition in question is gum disease, also called periodontal disease. 

That’s why Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and our team at Riverside Dental offer periodontal disease diagnosis and treatment at our offices in Yonkers or Thornwood, New York. If you want to find out if this widespread health concern is affecting your mouth, pay us a visit.

Now, here’s the good news: When it’s caught in its early stages, gum disease is usually reversible. More good news: You can prevent gum disease in the first place by doing these four things.

#1: Brush daily

Bad at-home oral care is usually at the root of gum disease. When you don’t brush your teeth regularly, plaque sticks around. That means all the harmful bacteria in plaque have time to attack your gums, causing irritation, swelling, and other symptoms of gum disease. 

And given long enough, that plaque hardens into tartar, a material you can’t get off with your toothbrush. 

Long story short, your toothbrush is your first line of defense against gum disease. Wield it twice daily to protect your gums from disease — or to help reverse periodontal disease if you already have it. 

#2: Floss daily

While your toothbrush can do a lot, it isn’t able to get into the small areas between your teeth. Plaque often lurks there, so you need floss to clear it away. 

If you have a hard time remembering to floss (or finding the motivation to do so), try keeping your floss in the shower. Making this oral hygiene step part of your overall hygiene routine can make it more manageable. 

#3: Get your teeth professionally cleaned regularly 

Remember that tartar we mentioned earlier? Once it cements itself onto your teeth, you need to get a professional involved to get rid of it. Dr. Master-Patel has specialized tools she uses to safely and effectively get that tartar off your teeth and prevent it from harming your gums. 

To banish tartar and keep your oral health in top shape, we recommend twice-yearly teeth cleanings. 

#4: Quit smoking

Smoking makes you twice as likely to deal with periodontal disease. If you’ve been looking for a push to finally kick the habit, add this motivator to your list. The more cigarettes you smoke and the longer you smoke, the more your risk for this oral health issue grows. 

You can do a lot to prevent gum disease at home. But if you want a periodontal expert in your corner or you’re due for a teeth cleaning appointment, don’t hesitate to call our office nearest you or book your appointment online today