Preventing periodontal disease in Centerville

Residents of Centerville are no different from anyone else. We love to eat good food, we develop unhealthy habits, and sometimes we just don’t practice good oral hygiene. That leads to gum disease.
 
Gum disease starts as gingivitis. Bacteria in the biofilm that coats your teeth take up residence under the gum line and cause soft tissues to become inflamed. Your gums look puffy and discolored, there’s an odd taste in your mouth, and others notice your bad breath.
 
Unimpeded, gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease. As infection attacks ligament and bone, which support your teeth, they become loose and eventually fall out. Periodontal disease is also linked to a host of other grave health conditions such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and premature birth.
 
Dr. Daniel Cobb and his hygiene team at Alex Bell Dental take a comprehensive approach to treating gum disease with DNA analysis, deep cleaning, and follow-up therapy. But there is no doubt about it – it is in your best interest to prevent gum disease.
 
Here are some simple steps to help:

• Brush! At least in the morning and at bedtime; preferably anytime after you eat. Use good technique (we’ll be happy to give you a refresher course on effective brushing), cleaning all sides of each tooth and paying some attention to gums and tongue. Used properly, a manual or electric toothbrush will do the job just fine.
• After brushing, rinse with an antiseptic or anti-plaque mouthwash, either from the drug store, or one we prescribe.
• If you can’t brush right after eating, chew a piece of soft, sugarless gum to dislodge food particles.
• Floss at least once per day (before going to bed). Using both hands, pull the floss into a v-shape around each tooth and guide it up and down to remove plaque.
• Don’t skip check-ups. Thorough professional cleanings remove build-up you can’t see or reach, and regular examinations help detect oral problems early while they are most treatable.
• Eat a healthy diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low sugar/salt/saturated fat snacks feed your body most effectively. Peanuts, milk, cheese, and yogurt naturally combat plaque and help to neutralize sugar in the mouth.
• Stop smoking and using spit tobacco! Nearly tobacco users will develop gum disease because the chemicals in it impair your ability to fight infection and delay healing processes.

We want to help you feel great and enjoy a stunning smile, but we only see you a few times each year. When you take the opportunity every day to build excellent home care habits, you take a big step toward preventing gum disease.
 
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