Prevent Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease refers to any type of gum disease, ranging from mild inflammation of the gums to severe soft tissue infections. Periodontal disease occurs when the bacteria in plaque builds up and produces toxins, which can cause a response from the body’s natural protective system which can result in irritation and inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease can progress from relatively mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. (1)According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (part of the National Institutes of Health), approximately 80 percent of American adults have some type of periodontal disease. But you can help avoid periodontal disease by knowing the key risk factors and by following a consistent oral care routine. (1)
Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease
Knowing some of the risk factors for periodontal disease can help you take steps to avoid it. Risk factors for periodontal disease include:- Smoking: If you smoke, quit, and you will go a long way toward preventing periodontal disease. Not only is smoking one of the top risks for periodontal disease, continuing to smoke can interfere with some periodontal disease treatments.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for periodontal disease. In addition, chemotherapy or other treatments for illnesses such as cancer or AIDS can increase your risk for periodontal disease.
- Stress and Hormones: Studies have shown that stress can make it harder for the body to fight infections, and that includes periodontal disease. For women, research suggests that hormone changes can make the gums more susceptible to periodontal disease.
- Medications: Medications that dry up saliva can increase your risk of periodontal disease. Saliva helps protect against periodontal disease by helping wash plaque and bacteria from the teeth.
- Family History: Some people are simply more susceptible to periodontal disease because of their heredity. If many of your relatives have had periodontal disease, you may be at increased risk. (1), (2)
Choose Oral Care Products That Protect Against Gingivits, an early form of Gum Disease
Following a complete oral hygiene routine is the best way to protect your mouth from gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.Try a Crest Pro-Health Regimen for thorough teeth cleaning and powerful protection to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Toothbrush: Using a top-quality toothbrush is the first step to help prevent gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. The Oral-B Vitality is a precision electric toothbrush that helps prevent gingivitis. With 7,600 oscillations per minute, the Oral-B Vitality removes twice as much plaque as a manual toothbrush.
- Toothpaste: Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste contains the active ingredient, stannous fluoride, which protects against gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, in addition to fighting cavities, bad breath and sensitivity. It also contains sodium hexametaphosphate which helps prevent tartar buildup and daily tooth stains.
- Floss: Glide Deep Clean Floss helps prevent gingivitis, an early form of gum disease by removing food particles and plaque bacteria that get caught between teeth.
- Rinse: Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse provides additional protection against gingivitis, an early form of gum disease , as part of a Crest Pro-Health Regimen. Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse reduces plaque buildup by killing germs and helps to control bad breath. (3), (4)
Don’t Forget the Dentist
Be sure to see a dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and checkup. Your dentist can help you avoid periodontal disease by cleaning and examining your teeth to identify any minor problems before they become serious. (1), (2)Sources:
