How to Care For Your Teeth and Gums: Tips From Your Westchester Periodontist

At Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale, we provide many dental services, including periodontal care. As your Westchester periodontist, we do everything we can to help you make informed, education choices related to your oral hygiene. By having the facts and knowing how to move forward, you can keep your oral health exceptional and have a healthy, beautiful mouth. Keeping teeth and gums healthy goes beyond coming in for a check-up at the dentist twice a year. It is the daily routines that determine if your teeth and gums stay healthy and looking great. We have some tips based on periodontist recommendations on how to keep your gums and teeth healthy day in and day out. It isn’t too hard to use these habits once you know the facts. Most of these recommendations can be fit into your daily lifestyle.

Brushing and Flossing is Essential!

Brushing and flossing isn’t that hard to do. It only takes a few minutes out of your day to do a thorough job. But, the long-lasting impacts of doing so can’t be overstated. By brushing and flossing properly every day, you can decrease your chances of gum disease and tooth loss.

Gum Disease and How to Prevent It

Gum disease is caused by bacteria that builds up in tartar and plaque. Plaque is a film made of bacteria, mucus and food that builds up on teeth. If plaque builds up, it becomes tartar, a host to bacteria. The bacteria in tartar and plaque can cause inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis. Tartar needs to be removed by a professional dental hygienist or your dentist.

Gum Disease Gets Worse Over Time and Has 3 Stages. These Are:

• Gingivitis

  This is the early stage and usually presents with red, tender gums that bleed easily. This stage is reversible through implementing proper brushing and flossing habits.

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis

  This is the next, more advanced stage. This stage presents with more inflammation and bleeding around teeth. This is because the bacteria causes your body’s defense to break down the gum which makes the gum pull away from the teeth. This stage can already show bone loss around the teeth. It is essential to receive treatment from a periodontist in Westchester NY at this point to avoid losing further bone or teeth.

• Advanced Periodontitis

  This last stage has worsening and deepening of gum pockets. They destroy the bone holding teeth in place. During this stage, your periodontist may need to remove teeth because they are so loose. At that point, you may need to consider dental implants to replace your missing teeth.

The best way to treat gum disease is through prevention and implementing healthy habits. With early onset of gingivitis, these good habits can prevent the disease from getting worse.

Symptoms of Gum Disease Include:

• Bad breath
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Pain while chewing
• Receding gum line
• Sensitive teeth

Keep in mind there are risk factors that can increase your chances of developing gum disease.

• Smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• Hormonal changes (including pregnancy)
• Diabetes
• Using certain medications
• Genetic factors

How to Prevent Gum Disease

• Brush and floss at least twice a day
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year

How Can You Brush Correctly to Keep Your Gums and Teeth Healthy?

• Brushing once in the morning and before you go to bed. Also, floss in the morning and before you go to bed.
• Use a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste with fluoride. If you can, an electric toothbrush is even better.
• Brush against each tooth at least 15-20 times at a 45 degree angle.
• Brush the outer edges of the teeth with short, back and forward motions.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or after you have had an illness.

Tips to Floss Correctly

• Use about 18 inches of floss and hold it between you thumb and forefingers.
• Gently glide the floss up and down.
• When you reach the gum, curve the string around your tooth and rub against the side of the tooth as you move up and down.
• Floss below the gumline.

Contact Your Periodontist in Westchester NY Today!

Call our office to learn more about healthy oral hygiene habits or to schedule your next check-up. Our periodontists have several years of experience treating every stage of gum disease. Schedule an appointment today!