Thursday, November 25, 2010

Prevent Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a serious dental condition that causes gum recession and alveolar bone loss around the base of the teeth. Left untreated, it can result in tooth loss and jaw problems. It is much easier to prevent preiodontitis than it is to treat it.


Instructions


1. Have a full dental exam completed once a year with X-rays and a full cleaning to remove plaque buildup and to review any erosion at the base of your teeth.


2. Brush your teeth in the morning and at night at the very least. When possible, brush after meals to remove food particles that could accumulate bacteria and plaque on your teeth.


3. Floss your teeth at least once a day to strengthen your gums and to remove plaque from between your teeth and around your gums.








4. Use an alcohol-based mouthwash to kill bacteria after flossing, when the gums are most prone to bleeding or abrasions.


5. Use an oral irrigator to flush food buildup, plaque and bacteria away from the gums and out from between the teeth. This is optional but greatly reduces the likelihood of periodontitis.

Tags: your teeth, from between, remove plaque, your gums