Periodontal disease is a silent epidemic. Nearly half (47 percent) of American adults are dealing with some stage of gum disease. Seniors are at higher risk of developing periodontal disease as 70.1 percent of adults 65 and over are dealing with this issue.
What’s even more alarming is that many people don’t even realize that they have gum disease. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and some of the most common symptoms include bad breath, gums that bleed easily, and swollen gums. When these issues go unaddressed, they progress into periodontitis. As periodontitis advances, you can experience issues with receding gum lines, deep periodontal pockets, loose or missing teeth, bone loss, and more.
It’s critical that you gain control of periodontal disease as early as possible as it can have serious ramifications on your overall health. Research indicates connections between poor oral health and diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, strokes, and premature births.
Periodontal disease is one of the biggest threats to your oral health, and it’s also often preventable. Here are several proactive steps that you can take to prevent periodontal disease and gain control of your oral health:
1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
While it’s tempting to brush your teeth immediately following a meal, you should always wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. When you brush too soon after eating, you risk damaging your teeth’s enamel.
2. Floss daily.
Some people think that brushing teeth at least twice a day counteracts the need to floss. This could not be further from the truth. When you don’t floss, you’re leaving up to 40 percent of debris on your teeth. See our recent blog post about how to floss correctly.
3. Use mouthwash.
Swishing mouthwash will help to reduce plaque and remove food particles that you may have missed while brushing and flossing your teeth.
4. Understand your risk for periodontal disease.
Some people have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Your age, genetics, diet, and vices all impact how likely you are to face gum disease.
5. Visit your periodontist.
Schedule an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation from your periodontist in Ormond Beach to determine your risk for developing periodontal disease. The earlier you can detect symptoms and address them, the easier it will be for you to gain control of periodontal disease.
Are you concerned that you may have gum disease? We are a full-service dental and periodontal care practice in Ormond Beach. Contact Dr. Kenzik for an evaluation and learn how you can take control of periodontal disease.
It’s critical that you gain control of periodontal disease as early as possible as it can have serious ramifications on your overall health. Research indicates connections between poor oral health and diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, strokes, and premature births.
Periodontal disease is one of the biggest threats to your oral health, and it’s also often preventable. Here are several proactive steps that you can take to prevent periodontal disease and gain control of your oral health:
1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
While it’s tempting to brush your teeth immediately following a meal, you should always wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. When you brush too soon after eating, you risk damaging your teeth’s enamel.
2. Floss daily.
Some people think that brushing teeth at least twice a day counteracts the need to floss. This could not be further from the truth. When you don’t floss, you’re leaving up to 40 percent of debris on your teeth. See our recent blog post about how to floss correctly.
3. Use mouthwash.
Swishing mouthwash will help to reduce plaque and remove food particles that you may have missed while brushing and flossing your teeth.
4. Understand your risk for periodontal disease.
Some people have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. Your age, genetics, diet, and vices all impact how likely you are to face gum disease.
5. Visit your periodontist.
Schedule an annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation from your periodontist in Ormond Beach to determine your risk for developing periodontal disease. The earlier you can detect symptoms and address them, the easier it will be for you to gain control of periodontal disease.
Are you concerned that you may have gum disease? We are a full-service dental and periodontal care practice in Ormond Beach. Contact Dr. Kenzik for an evaluation and learn how you can take control of periodontal disease.