Your periodontium is made up of all the tissues that surround your teeth – your gums and the bone inside them, and the cementiumand ligaments that hold your teeth in place. It’s just as important to look after these areas of your mouth as it is to keep your teeth clean and healthy, but all too often we neglect them and allow them to fall into disrepair. There are many kinds of periodontal diseases, but the most common is an accumulation of bacteria and plaque just underneath the gum line – which can lead to damaged gums and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. A term frequently used to describe early-stage periodontal disease is ‘gingivitis’, an entirely treatable form of the condition that does not always develop into full-blown gum disease if properly treated.
But, of course, the best offense is a good defense! Just by following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your gums and associated periodontal tissue remain in tip-top condition:
• Don’t brush your teeth too hard! This is the number one mistake most people make in relation to oral hygiene. Brushing too firmly can erode your gums, which damages the tissue and runs the risk of making your teeth feel loose.
• Floss every day. A good flossing regime is essential for keeping the area just below the gum line free from bacteria and plaque.
• Try to maintain a generally healthy lifestyle: as with so many things, gum disease in its various forms seems to be more likely if you smoke, eat a poor diet or are frequently under a great deal of stress.
• Combat snoring! Research suggests that the dry mouth caused by snoring can make it harder for your body to repair gum tissue as you sleep.
If you’re worried about the health of your periodontium remember that Los Angeles, like many places, has a range of periodontists – dentists who specialize in periodontal care. These specialists are perfectly placed to check out the health of your mouth, deal with encroaching problems and advise you on how best to maintain good periodontal health and hygiene. This is an essential part caring for your teeth and gums, and even the most diligent of flossers and brushers should get a deep-cleaning at a dentist every six months.
If you think that you might already have begun to show symptoms of some form of periodontists, gingivitis or gum disease, it’s imperative that you get to a dentist as soon as you can to prevent the condition from worsening and perhaps even save your teeth from loosening and being lost entirely. In the meantime, however, medicated mouthwashes can help – your local drugstore should stock them, and used correctly they can be vital in the treatment of such problems.
Whichever of the periodontist Los Angeles you choose, make sure you maintain the best oral health you can between visits – and be sure not to neglect your gums!
