Acid in the mouth makes you prone to enamel decay, tooth sensitivity, cavities and tooth loss. Plaque and calculus which forms on your teeth around the gum line can lead to gum disease, cause loose teeth, tooth loss, bad breath, pain and swelling in the gums, and bleeding gums. Gum disease is in fact, the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
To properly care for your teeth and gums:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes after every meal and snack.
- Use ADA-approved products to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- If you are prone to gum disease, it may help to use an electric toothbrush with smaller heads to remove plaque.
- Fluoride toothpaste can strengthen your enamel.
- Don’t forget to floss at least once a day. Flossing removes plaque in between the teeth and under the gumline.
- If you have oral health issues, you can use an antimicrobial mouth rinse once a day to reduce bacteria.
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year to remove hardened tartar and to check for tooth decay and gum disease.
If you have bone loss, or if your gums have receded away from your teeth, you may require scaling and root planing (SRP). SRP is the standard treatment for these conditions and is a non-surgical method of deep cleaning. Scaling scrapes the plaque and tartar buildup from above and below your gumline, while root planing smooths out the rough spots on the tooth root where germs tend to collect. It also removes harmful bacteria. Once the tooth root is smooth and clean, your gums can reattach to the teeth.
This hectic holiday season, don’t forget to take care of your smile and your smile will take care of you! Dr. Sean Ferguson and our team at Ferguson & Associates, DDS in Concord, North Carolina, can be reached by calling 704-786-8317. We look forward to hearing from you!