Tips for Preventing Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, can cause a number of health problems if you do not seek treatment from a dentist. Without regular visits to the dentist’s office, you may experience loose gums, bone loss, and tooth loss. The primary factor that increases your risk of developing periodontal disease is a lack of dental care, both at home and from a skilled dentist in Glen Ellyn.

To decrease your risk of developing periodontal disease, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. You should visit your family dentist every six months for dental care, including professional teeth cleaning, and regular screenings for oral disease. You should also avoid using nicotine or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

If you take medications that cause your mouth to feel dry, you should speak with your dentist about treatment options for this side effect. Your mouth produces saliva to naturally flush harmful bacteria out of your mouth. If not removed from the mouth, this bacteria can contribute to infections and periodontal disease.