Altoona Dentist


Tactics to Keep Periodontal Disease Away

August 23rd, 2011

Periodontal disease has a lot of forms, as it is a general term used for oral health issues. It can range from tooth decay to gum disease, and even to abscesses and what have you. Below are helpful tactics to ensure that any kind of periodontal disease will not stand the chance:

Tip No. 1: Keep away from sweet food or anything that is high in sugar. Not only this is a calorie-heavy weight, it is proven that these kinds of food hasten tooth decay. Milk chocolate, cakes, candies and the rest can gather more bacteria that can settle in your mouth and on your teeth, causing acid production to heighten and make the destruction of the teeth a lot faster. If you are desperately craving for sweets, try the alternatives. Fruits are a much better snack than a lollipop, and sweet fruits can curb any craving one may have. You can still eat chocolate or candies but at a more controlled amount. Try to limit the intake of these kinds of food and it will help healthy teeth to be insured!

Tip No. 2: Brush your teeth and do it properly. There are a lot of people who say that they brush their teeth everyday, but the question remains: do they do it properly? Even with people brushing their teeth daily, periodontal disease can still find its way when the recommended brushing technique, duration of the routine, and using the right brush and tooth paste is not observed. Take for example using the wrong toothbrush, this can lead to tooth abrasion and discomfort when you use it. Make sure you are using soft, rounded bristles and that you dispose of it after 4 months of usage.

Tip No. 3: Water is also for cleansing. The more you drink water, the more food is going to go down direct to your oesophagus instead of settling all over your mouth. Water can make you feel hydrated and make you healthier compared to drinking soda. The more you drink water, the less are the chances of plaque building up and the more you can avoid getting periodontal disease.

Tip No. 4: Go sugarless. If you have a sweet tooth, chances are you are going to break tip #1. If you must consume desserts or other similar food, you need to make the switch to sugarless in order to increase the flow of saliva in your mouth. If you’re a chocoholic, try to stick to dark or bitter chocolate. It gives you the same amount of energy boost without the sugars associated to it.