Periodontal disease affects millions of Americans. Many times, a person is unaware of the disease until it becomes quite serious. The most common symptoms include swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or persistent bad breath. Gum disease is problematic, not only because it leads to tooth and bone loss, but it also increases your risk of other diseases. The chronic inflammation associated with gum disease has been linked to diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, periodontal disease is preventable by taking care of your mouth and seeing your periodontist in Monroe, CT regularly.

Take Care of Your Mouth

You’ve heard it dozens of times, but your parents were right. Daily brushing and flossing have to be part of your routine.

• Brush after meals to remove food particles that get trapped between teeth. Remember to brush your tongue, too. Bacteria hides everywhere in your mouth.
• Floss once a day. Flossing gets the plaque along the gum line where your toothbrush doesn’t reach.
• Use mouthwash to remove any remaining food particles. Your mouth will feel refreshed and clean, which often leads you to stop snacking between meals. Another plus to keeping your teeth clean.

See Your Periodontist

Once you have gum disease, it’s practically impossible to treat on your own. It spreads quickly and requires advanced technology to deep clean the areas where bacteria is hiding in your mouth. However, you can slow the progression of periodontal disease by working with your periodontist to get the right treatment. Identifying the symptoms early will protect your teeth and gums, because there are many treatment options.

You should also discuss the risk factors for gum disease with your dental care provider. Age, genetics and outside factors, such as smoking and diet, play a part in your oral health. Make an appointment with Dr. Amato, a periodontist in Monroe, CT, who can assess your dental health, treat gum disease and help prevent further progression of the disease.