Ways of Reducing Your Chances of Gum Disease After Treatment
Most of our patients are grateful after they undergo a scaling and root planing (SRP), as it gives them who new lease on life. However, to keep the momentum going, you have to commit to taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing daily. That is the best way to prevent a relapse of a gum disease problem.
Why Gum Disease Happens
While it is totally preventable, gum disease continues to be an issue for adults 30+ years of age. Therefore, many people do nothing about the condition until it reaches an advanced stage. By that time, they find it hard to chew food or brush and floss their teeth. To combat this type of occurrence, it is important to always stay on top of your periodontal care. Devote some time each day to brushing and flossing your teeth, scraping your tongue, or using a water flosser.
What Routine Should I Follow?
To keep gum disease from making an appearance, brush your teeth in the morning and at night. However, don’t brush immediately after you eat, as acids in the mouth, which are present right after you eat, can erode the enamel. Instead, wait about an hour before you brush and floss. When you brush your teeth, use a brush (electric or manual) with soft bristles. Clean the surface of the teeth as well as the inside and outside of the teeth, and the gum line. Brush from the gum line upward from the bottom jaw, and downward from the top jaw. Besides flossing and brushing, use an oral irrigator, such as a Water Pick, to remove any remaining debris or residue.
What Other Steps Do I Need to Take?
Along with following a routine of at-home care, schedule an annual exam with our office for a complete periodontal examination. That way, you can continue to ensure the health of your gums and teeth. Keeping the situation monitored will prevent a future recurrence of gum disease or, at least, stop the condition in its tracks before it gets worse.
If you have not had a periodontal exam and are experiencing some gum swelling and bleeding, give our professional staff a call today. Schedule an appointment now for an exam and consultation.
