Detect and Prevent Periodontal Gum Disease
Periodontal gum disease affects the ligaments that connect to the tooth's roots, the gums and the gap between the tooth and gums. With proper tooth and gum care, a person most likely avoids this disease and retains their smile for their lifetime.
Instructions
1. Examine your teeth and gum line regularly searching for warning signs of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is gingivitis when in a mild form and periodontitis in its severe form.
2. Look for warning signs such as easily bleeding gums, swollen gums, persistent bad breath, loose or separating permanent teeth or any change in how your teeth fit together. Also, watch for gums drawn away from the teeth.
3. Go to a dentist for checkups and cleanings twice a year to prevent periodontal disease. In addition, brush and floss your teeth and eat a balanced diet avoiding sweets. The U.S.D.A. provides a suggested balanced diet and food pyramid for all age categories.
4. Change your toothbrush once a quarter and use fluoride enhanced toothpaste. Kill mouth bacteria with a mouthwash daily.
5. Reduce risk factors such as smoking and chewing tobacco, the effects of diabetes, crooked teeth or bridges and defective fillings by addressing these conditions before they contribute to gum disease. Other items to watch as risk factors are pregnancy, birth control pills, steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs and cancer therapy drugs.
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