Follow These Tips and Periodontal Therapy in Odessa May Be Unnecessary

Periodontal, or gum, disease is a bacterial infection that begins when plaque calcifies and turns to tartar. This hard substance builds up between gums and teeth. If not removed with periodontal therapy in Odessa, the bacteria-filled tartar irritates gum tissue, causing inflammation and bleeding. As gum disease progresses, there may be bone deterioration and tooth loss. In addition, gum disease has been connected to systemic illnesses including diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

All of this, however, can be avoided with consistent proper gum care and oral hygiene. Read on to learn what you can do to have healthy gums.

Brush, Floss and Swish

Leading the fight against periodontal disease is your daily oral hygiene care. At a minimum, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste. If you can, brush after having a meal. Brushing removes food particles and plaque from teeth surfaces.

Floss, on the other hand, removes these from between your teeth and along the gum line. It doesn’t matter when you find the time to floss—morning, noon or night. Just be sure to take the time at least once every day. Finally, swishing with an alcohol-free rinse freshens your mouth without over-drying.

Stop Smoking

If you smoke, stop. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. We say this not only for the sake of your general health, but also because smoking decreases circulation, which is essential to keeping gums healthy. In addition, smoking contributes to the development and advance of periodontal disease.

Eat Well

You’ve no doubt heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, what you eat also has a lot to do with keeping your gums healthy. You need a diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals to keep your gums strong so they can support your teeth and ward off disease. Therefore, avoid sweet treats with lots of sugar, because the bacteria that lead to gum disease thrive on sugar.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

When you can’t brush, chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva production that will help wash away the leftover food that bacteria might otherwise ingest. Gum with Xylitol is especially good because it allows good bacteria to outnumber the bad.

See Your Dentist in Odessa

Be sure to schedule dental checkups every six months. At these visits, your teeth are cleaned and bits of tartar are removed before gum disease can set in. Never assume that because your gums don’t look swollen and aren’t bleeding that you’re safe from the bacteria that can lead to trouble. If you’re due for a dental cleaning and exam, call our office today.

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Steve W. Cobb is a family and cosmetic dentist. He and his staff offer a wide range of general, restorative and cosmetic treatments for patients throughout West Texas. Call the office today to schedule an appointment.