Both gum disease and cavities are serious problems that could lead to painful symptoms and lost teeth. However, both of these common issues could be prevented with routine care at our office, and better oral hygiene habits at home. In today’s blog, your Brighton, MA, dentists look at what you should do to help prevent periodontal disease and cavities.
The Causes of Periodontal Disease
First, let’s look at periodontal disease, which according to studies from the Centers for Disease Control, impacts half of adults over the age of 30. The problem starts when the gums become inflamed and develop gingivitis, which can happen as a result of poor oral hygiene, plaque buildup, smoking and tobacco use, the use of certain medications, or inflammatory illnesses. The gums begin to feel sore, look red, and bleed easily. Unless addressed by a dentist, the issue grows worse until the tissues pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets for bacteria to infiltrate, causing periodontal disease.
The Factors Behind Tooth Decay
The outer enamel coating our teeth typically protects the inner structures from harmful bacteria. However, when a tooth is cracked or chipped, or the outer enamel erodes due to plaque buildup caused by poor oral hygiene, then the inner portions of your tooth become exposed to bacteria. A cavity forms that unless treated, will grow larger and more severe with time, eventually leading to an infected tooth and worsening discomfort!
Prevention From Home
To protect your teeth at home, be sure you control plaque buildup. First, make time to brush your teeth twice a day and floss every night before bed. These actions remove stray food particles to prevent plaque buildup. By eating fewer sugary and starchy items, and drinking fewer sugary or acidic beverages, you also protect the health of your enamel and periodontal tissues.
Cleanings, Fillings, and More
Routine care at our office also offers preventive actions. A checkup every six months enables us to monitor the smile for warning signs of trouble, taking early action to prevent cavities or reverse gingivitis. During the same visit, we will clean the teeth to remove all plaque and tartar, protecting the smile from eroding enamel or inflamed gum tissues. If we find a cavity, we could treat it in one visit with a filling. We also have treatments to reverse gingivitis and manage gum disease, preventing complications, like adult tooth loss!
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
Our team wants to make sure our patients continue to enjoy their healthiest and brightest smiles. To learn more about maintaining optimal oral health, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Cambridge, Brookline, and all surrounding communities.
