If you undergo treatment for periodontal disease, restoring your gums to a healthy state is only part of the battle. If you don’t take steps to keep your gums healthy, your disease can return quickly and put your teeth at risk. Your periodontist will explain what you need to do at home to maintain your healthy gums. This advice will also help.
Stick to a Strict Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing and flossing are some of the most powerful weapons you have about gum disease. Because it only takes about a day for plaque to turn into tartar that can’t be removed with home care, falling behind on your hygiene routine can have serious implications. Brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and follow your dentist’s recommendations for using mouthwashes, fluoride rinses, periodontal brushes, and other specialty treatments and techniques that can make your home care regime more effective.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
After treatment for periodontal disease , you may need more frequent dental exams and teeth cleanings. Typically, patients who are recovering from periodontal disease should see their dentists four times per year. In addition to performing a thorough cleaning, your dentist will monitor the size of the pockets between your teeth and gums to ensure that they are healthy. Deep pockets allow plaque and bacteria to sit below the gum line and harm roots, nerves, and the jawbone.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease. During treatment, your periodontist will recommend that you stop smoking, but if you haven’t stopped by the time your treatment is over, make quitting a priority during the maintenance phase. Smoking will drastically increase your risk of periodontal disease recurring, and it can also make you more likely to develop other oral health problems, including oral cancer.
Take the first step to protecting your gums today by making an appointment at Glenwood Premier Dental. We offer extensive treatment for periodontal disease as well as the teeth cleanings you need to keep your smile healthy. For an appointment with a dentist in Hazlet, call (732) 264-4477.