Sacramento Periodontal Disease Treatment
Despite the serious consequences of gum disease, it can usually be prevented by following some simple steps.
Floss-
One of the most important things you can do to prevent gum disease is to floss daily before you brush. The best time to floss (if you're only going to do it once a day) is in the evening before you retire.
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Most people who have gum disease didn't floss properly. You miss nearly 40% of tooth surfaces when you brush without flossing. Imagine washing only 60% of your body, while missing the other 40% day after day. Sooner or later, people will notice. The same thing happens in your mouth as bacteria build up between your teeth, leading to gum disease.
Dentists suggest that you floss at least once a day. Better yet, floss each time before you brush. If you have trouble using floss because your teeth are closely spaced, try Glide® dental floss -- it's made of teflon so it slides easily between your teeth. Do not traumatize yourself getting the floss in. Remember, the cleaning takes place on the outward sweep. In order to clean both sides, insert the floss twice into each space between your teeth (the interdental space).
If you really don't like using dental floss, try an electric flosser like the Braun Interclean®, which makes flossing quick and easy.
Brush Your Teeth Properly-
This sounds easy, but the fact is that when it comes to tooth brushing, most people do an unsatisfactory job. It takes 2 minutes to brush all your tooth surfaces, yet most people spend 30 seconds or less brushing. As a result, they miss the same spots day after day, allowing plaque bacteria to thrive.
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The next time you brush your teeth, take a timer along to make sure you brush for two minutes. You'll be surprised how long this seems.
Dentists and pharmacies have plaque disclosing tablets. These tablets contain a harmless red dye which sticks to plaque, thus indicating areas of plaque buildup on your teeth. These are the areas you are missing when you brush. Ask your dentist to give you a refresher course in proper flossing and toothbrushing technique.
Many dentists suggest electric toothbrushes for more thorough cleaning. Electric brushes such as Braun Oral-B® and Sonicare® have built in timers that tell you when you've brushed for 2 minutes. Unlike manual toothbrushes, electrical toothbrushes can remove plaque that resides just below the gum line. This will help you avoid gum disease.
Use a Toothpaste Which Fights Gum Disease
All toothpastes are not alike. Recent studies show that SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), an ingredient found in more than 99% of all toothpastes, actually helps promote periodontal disease.
SLS is a cheap, strong synthetic detergent which is used in floor cleaners, hand soaps, shampoos, and toothpastes. It is used to do tough cleaning jobs. Unfortunately, SLS is a persistent irritant which contributes to inflammation of gums and susceptibility to gum disease.
The best thing to do about SLS is to avoid it. The best SLS-free toothpaste is Enamel Saver®. Instead of SLS, Enamel Saver® has a patented foaming system which strengthens oral mucosa. No other toothpaste has this system.
Enamel Saver® has 36 percent by weight of natural Xylitol. No other toothpaste has anywhere near this amount. Clinical studies show natural Xylitol reduces plaque and plaque acids. Less plaque means
fewer cavities
healthier gums
fresher breath
Enamel Saver® Mouth Friendly® Toothpaste prevents gum disease and improves the condition of those who have it by reducing bleeding, inflammation, and plaque. And it's so pleasant to use that you're more likely to floss and brush properly. Kids love Enamel Saver, too.
Avoid Certain Drugs
Tobacco contains nicotine which is a potent constrictor of blood vessels, including those in the mouth. Inadequate blood flow through the gums makes them susceptible to gum disease. Nicotine patches and nicotine gum should be used for as brief a period as possible. Certain illegal drugs are potent blood vessel constrictors, too.
Long term use of certain prescription drugs can cause dry mouth, which can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Here is a partial list of such drugs:
* antidepressants
* antihistamines
* antihypertensives
* antispasmodics
* decongestants
* muscle relaxants
* tranquilizers
If you are taking any drug on a long term basis, talk with your physician to find out whether dry mouth is a possible side effect.
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
Your dentist plays a crucial role in the prevention of gum disease. Through routine checkups, your dentist can identify and remove areas of tartar buildup. Remember, you cannot brush tartar away. Only your dentist can remove it. By examining your gums and probing pocket depths, your dentist can determine if you have gum disease. This is extremely important, since gum disease is often symptomless.
Your dentist can also check your flossing and toothbrushing technique.
Dr. Nicky M Hakimi DDS, Periodontist - Providing services in Periodontal Dentistry to the areas of Roseville and Sacramento, California.
Sacramento Gum Disease Treatment
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