Two Simple Strategies for Combatting Gum Disease

July 11, 2017

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a problem that millions of Americans are affected by. In many cases, people had no idea that this condition was developing in their mouths. This is because many of the symptoms associated with the early stages of periodontal disease – when it is most treatable – are slow to develop and not easily noticed. However, many people suffer from the more advanced stages of the condition characterized by bleeding and swollen painful gums along with other uncomfortable symptoms.

Dr. Chertok can help you get a handle on periodontal disease and dial back its progress before it gets worse. There are lots of excellent strategies for beating gum disease and talking with your periodontist is the first step.

Take a Second Look at Your Diet

The food and beverages we choose daily affect the health of our gums and teeth. Soda and other carbonated drinks can cause problems for teeth and gums. The sugar contained in these drinks causes harmful bacteria to flourish on teeth, which gradually cause inflammation in the gum line. Gums become inflamed and tender, in some cases becoming visibly swollen. These are signs that an infection has set in.

Spending an adequate amount of time brushing your teeth each morning and night helps to clear away the bacteria that contributes to gum disease. Decreasing and even eliminating your soda intake will also drastically improve your gum health.

Replace Your Toothbrush on a Regular Basis

Can you remember the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Even the best ones will need to be replaced every 2 – 3 months. Using an old toothbrush robs you of the full benefits of adequate brushing; here is why:

• Bristles get bent and damaged with use; this prevents them from cleaning as well as they should.
• Bacteria collect on the bristles, which can then be transferred back to your mouth.
• Bristles lose their spring and cannot clean as well

Learn More About Gum Health Today

Schedule an appointment with periodontist Dr. Chertok to learn more about the many ways you and your family can enjoy great oral health.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

• 5 Signs You Need to See Your Dentist

  Most people only think about going to the dentist when they see their six-month check-up on the calendar. However, you may not want to wait until your next appointment if you experience concerning symptoms related to your gums and teeth. As Dr. Kaz Zymantas, a Naperville, IL dentist from Premier Dental often tells patients, dental […]

• What Are the Different Types of Tooth Pain?

  Have you ever over-exercised and strained yourself a bit? You might feel some dull aches in your hamstrings or biceps. However, if you actually tear a muscle, the discomfort will be more intense and indicative of something that requires a physician. In the same way, tooth pain is not a one-size-fits-all term. Naperville, IL dentist […]

• Improve Your Mouth, Improve Yourself

  Dr. Kaz Zymantas and our team at Premier Dental want to help people all over the Naperville, IL area improve themselves during national “Self Improvement Month!” And one of the best ways to give your self-esteem and entire body a boost is through a regular dental visit! Dentistry can help improve the look and function […]

• How to Handle Dental Emergencies

  Most people know how to respond to a bodily injury like a soft tissue cut or broken bone. But do you know how to handle a dental emergency? Depending on the situation, you can reduce the risk of damage or tooth loss if you take action. Learn from Dr. Kaz Zymantas, our dentist, on how […]

• What Are Space Maintainers?

  Baby teeth are important for many reasons. They provide your children with the ability to chew and speak properly, which is essential for healthy bodies and self-esteem. They also hold the space for permanent teeth, so that when they erupt, there is room for them to grow in. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it […]

• Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

  Your teeth are more important than you might realize. A beautiful, healthy smile not only helps you look younger, it helps you feel better. With healthy teeth, you can eat an unrestricted diet and get the nutrients you need. Your teeth also stimulate your jaw bone, staving off osteoporosis. Dr. Kaz Zyantas stresses the importance […]

• Quiz: All About Wisdom Teeth

  How much do you know about wisdom teeth? Even though everyone has them, there is a surprising amount of misinformation, especially surrounding their maintenance and extraction. As a dentist who removes wisdom teeth, in Naperville, IL, Dr. Kaz Zymantas frequently dispels myths about these “third molars”. Take our quiz to find out if you are […]

• Children’s Root Canals

  Even baby teeth can become infected. When the core of your child’s tooth is diseased or injured, the entire tooth does not need to be extracted. Dr. Carolyn B. Cromwell recommends pulpotomy for her Avon, OH, patients. A pulpotomy is a treatment, like a root canal, which saves the tooth but removes the infection and […]

• The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

  You may have always heard that orthodontic appointments don’t need to start until your child is old enough for braces. But did you know that early orthodontic visits (and treatments) can make the entire process smoother and more effective? It has to do with the growth and development of children’s jaws and baby teeth. Catching […]

• The Risks of Living With Gum Disease

   Gum disease is an oral health issue that plagues around half of the adult population of the United States. Even if you are meticulous about your home oral hygiene, you are still at risk for developing gum disease. While Dr. Ann Mineo Kania and the staff at the office of Ann Mineo Kania, DDS, DMSc […]