Periodontal disease has been linked to serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. An inflammatory condition, periodontitis can lead to other inflammatory processes in the body, causing a variety of health problems. Dr. Erpenbach believes a natural, preventive approach is the best…
Periodontal disease has been linked to serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. An inflammatory condition, periodontitis can lead to other inflammatory processes in the body, causing a variety of health problems. Dr. Erpenbach believes a natural, preventive approach is the best first course of action, so follow these steps to prevent gum disease from taking over your mouth and the rest of your body.
- Brush and floss twice a day. First, floss to remove any food particles stuck between the teeth. Next, brush with a soft toothbrush for a full two minutes, being careful to cover every tooth surface.
- Use mouthwash. As gum disease is caused by plaque, an anti-plaque or antimicrobial formula works well.
- See your dentist regularly. We can spot problems well before you notice any symptoms, so it’s important to get a checkup every six months. Regular professional cleanings that remove plaque and tartar are a great preventive measure against periodontal disease.
- Eat a healthy diet. Dr. Erpenbach believes in an oral-systemic approach to dental health, and that starts with a healthy body. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean protein, and whole grains. Avoid sugars and highly-processed carbs as much as possible, and drink lots of water.
- Don’t smoke or chew tobacco. Smoking causes you to produce more tooth plaque, and smokeless tobacco makes the gums recede, both of which contribute to periodontitis. In addition, these substances lower your immune system, which not only reduces your overall health but also makes any treatments for gum disease less effective.
If you’ve taken all the necessary steps and still suspect you have periodontal disease, contact Dr. Erpenbach at 865-584-8630 to schedule a consultation. Serving residents of West Knoxville and the Bearden area, our team will do a comprehensive evaluation and recommend the perfect treatment plan for your needs.
