If your dentist has informed you that you have periodontal (gum) disease, don't despair. In addition to following your dentist's recommended treatment plan, there are things that you can do on a day-to-day basis to slow down or potentially even halt the progress of this condition.
Recognise and eliminate unhealthy habits
There are several bad habits that can exacerbate periodontal disease. Smoking is a particularly dangerous practice, which can have a serious impact on your oral health; according to Delta Dental, those who smoke cigarettes regularly are four times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. The toxic chemicals present in tobacco smoke can inflame the gums, making them more susceptible to infection. As such, if you do smoke and are currently suffering from periodontal disease, it is imperative that you quit as soon as possible.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol on a regular basis can also contribute to oral problems; it can irritate the gum tissues, which in turn can cause inflammation. Alcohol can also depress the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off a gum infection. Last but not least, the dehydration that alcoholic drinks cause means that bacteria are less likely to be rinsed away by your saliva, which in turn increases the production of disease-causing plaque.
Eat a diet that supports oral health
Your choice of food can play a significant role in the development and progress of periodontal disease. Simple starches and sugar-laden foods create an acidic environment in your mouth, which the bacteria that cause gum disease are able to thrive and multiply in. If you're concerned about the health of your gums, it's worth switching to a diet that is very low in simple carbohydrates (such as white flour products) and sugar. You can still eat these things every once in a while, but make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly after consuming them.
Tweak your oral hygiene routine
If you have developed periodontal disease, it's quite likely that your current oral hygiene routine isn't up to scratch. Making a few minor tweaks to it could make all the difference to the health of your mouth; a thorough, consistent flossing and brushing routine can often reverse early-stage gum disease.
If you're using a hard or medium bristled toothbrush, consider investing in a softer one, which will clean just as well but won't irritate your already-swollen and inflamed gums. In addition to this, if you have a tendency to rush through your brushing routine, commit to spending an extra minute or two each morning and evening cleaning your teeth.
Share16 November 2016
Hi! My name is Sarah, and as a busy professional, I understand the importance of making the most of my time. That includes everything from having productive working lunches to making the most of my dental checkups. I have created this blog to help you maximise your dental checkups. In these posts, you can learn how to prepare for your checkup, which questions to ask during your checkup and more. I am also going to have posts explaining why checkups are critical to your dental health as well as the health of your entire body. Happy reading, and thanks for visiting my blog!
