- Main Page
- Risk Factors
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Screening
- Reducing Your Risk
- Talking to Your Doctor
- Resource Guide
The following steps can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease:
- Stop smoking.
- Eat nutritiously.
- Follow good dental self-care practices.
- Get regular professional dental care.
Smoking is a major risk factor for the development of periodontal disease. Talk to your healthcare provider about programs and aids to help you kick this habit .
A nutritious diet can help you fight all forms of infection, including the kind that causes periodontal disease. Ask your healthcare provider whether you would benefit from:
- Consultation with a nutritionist
- Vitamin supplements (especially vitamin C )
Follow Good Dental Self-care Practices
- Brush your teeth twice daily.
- Use an end-rounded, soft-bristled toothbrush.
- If you have trouble managing with a manual toothbrush, consider using an electric toothbrush.
- Brush first with a dry brush; follow this by brushing with toothpaste.
- Dry brushing should take about 90 seconds.
- Brushing with toothpaste should take about 30 seconds.
- Use a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Hold your brush at a 45 angle with the bristles toward the gum.
- Brush every tooth surface and along the gum line, using small, circular motions.
- Clean between your teeth once each day, using either floss or another cleaning aid prescribed by your dentist
- Ask your dental provider if you would benefit from a fluoride mouth rinse.
You should see your dental provider every six months for a careful cleaning and for a thorough dental checkup. Furthermore, if youve already been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you should undergo a longer (45 minutes to an hour) thorough cleaning every three months. References: American Academy of Periodontology website. Available at: http://www.perio.org/ . American Dental Association website. Available at: http://www.ada.org/ . National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research website. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/ . Last reviewed July 2007 by Laura Morris-Olson, DMDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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