In our previous two blogs we’ve covered what periodontal disease is, how to recognize it, and how it can affect the rest of your body. All of us here at Cornerstone Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Cary not only want you to be aware of the basics of periodontal disease and the dangers that it can cause to your overall health, we also think it’s important that you’re aware of how you can prevent gum disease in the first place.
Brush well and brush often!
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and, ideally, after every meal, is the easiest way to prevent gum disease. By using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes. Make sure to clean all sides of your teeth as well as your tongue to remove as much plaque as possible. If your gums hurt when you brush, it may be a sign of a more serious problem and it’s important to see your dentist in Cary as soon as possible.
Floss, floss, floss!
Flossing once a day will help remove any food particles and clean the spaces between your teeth that your toothbrush may miss. This is an important habit to to get into as cleaning in these hard-to-reach places can more effectively remove plaque and bacteria.
See your dentist regularly!
Because gum disease sometimes doesn’t have any symptoms in the early stages, maintaining your dental appointments is a very important step in prevention. Regular visits to your dentist at least twice a year ensures that your gums are healthy and that no problems are going unnoticed.
If you’re concerned about the health of your gums, or if you’re due for a checkup and cleaning, call our Cary dental office at 919-439-3880 to schedule your appointment today. We will perform a thorough cleaning and examine your gums for any problem areas. If we do find active gum disease, don’t worry! Although gum disease is scary, it is often easily treated. And if caught early, treatment is even easier. Don’t wait for gum disease to cause bigger problems. Schedule your appointment today!