Luckily, periodontal disease can be
preventable. Adding these habits to your daily routine can help.
Brush your teeth. Brushing after meals helps remove food debris
and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to include your
tongue, bacteria loves to hide there.
Floss. Flossing at least once a day helps remove food
particles and plaque between teeth and along the gum line that your toothbrush
can’t quite reach.
Swish with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash can help reduce
plaque and can remove remaining food particles that brushing and flossing
missed.
Know your risk. Age, smoking, diet and genetics can all
increase your risk for periodontal disease. If you are at increased risk, be
sure to talk with your dental professional.
See a periodontist. Get an annual
comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE) from a dental professional. A CPE looks at
your teeth, plaque level, gums, bite, bone structure and other risk factors for
periodontal disease. Identifying symptoms of gum disease early is key to
protecting your teeth and gums.