Periodontal Disease and Your Overall Health
While it’s true that clean teeth and gums help lower the risks of developing tooth decay, proper oral hygiene – especially daily flossing – prevents gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is a serious oral health concern with links to systemic conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even cancer.
Advanced forms of gum disease can destroy teeth, gums, and your jawbones. Many patients with advanced periodontal disease require oral surgery such as tissue grafts and gum surgery. The best way to prevent periodontal disease and its effects on your health is to perform vigilant oral hygiene.
Beyond lowering your risks for gum disease and tooth decay, proper oral hygiene can also:
- Reduce discomfort associated with tooth sensitivity.
- Stimulate the gingiva for optimal gum health.
- Prevent halitosis (bad breath).
- Lessen the chance of losing teeth to dental injuries or infections.
- Protect tooth enamel, which cannot rejuvenate once damaged.
- Save money by reducing the need for dental restorations.
Dental Hygiene Tips
The first step to improving your oral hygiene is to make a commitment to brushing and flossing every day with proper techniques. You should brush your teeth two times per day and floss every night before bed.
Take your time when brushing and flossing. Vigorous and careless motions could irritate soft oral tissue and damage your tooth enamel. Be sure to use oral hygiene products with the ADA’s seal of acceptance, too. Some patients enjoy using water irrigators to help keep their teeth and gums free of debris. If you have questions about which products meet your needs, feel free to ask your dentist or our oral surgeon for recommendations.
Our oral surgery practice provides a number of oral health services including implant dentistry, tooth extractions, jaw surgery, and oral pathology. Call Charlottesville Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center today to reserve a consultation with our skilled oral surgeon.