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dental treatment

How to Prevent Periodontal Infection?

Periodontal or gum infection can be a serious problem if not handled on time. The thought of oral care draws the picture of teeth-care in our mind. But, we fail to realize that taking proper care of the gums is equally important. Ignoring your minor gum problems or not adopting preventive measures can pave the path towards serious dental problems. To add on, your oral health is directly connected to overall physical health. So, infection in your gums should be prevented at any cost. Going through this blog will give you a clear understanding of the ways to prevent periodontal infection. But before that, there are certain things that you need to be aware of.

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis can be defined as a severe gum infection. It is generally caused due to improper maintenance of oral hygiene. Allowing the growth of bacteria on your gum line and teeth can be a pivotal reason for periodontitis. Ignoring such a problem for a long period of time can lead to serious damage to your teeth and the supporting bones or tissues. Though, there is nothing for you to worry about. Dentists say that taking a few minutes out of your day and investing in oral care can be of effective help to prevent periodontitis or periodontal infection. 

Relation between COVID-19 and Gum Disease

Dentists in Airdrie

Here at South Airdrie Smiles, we have always said that oral problems can cause other health problems. This was proved right once again when the Journal of Clinical Periodontology stated that the most severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) – is linked with severe COVID-related complications, including death, intensive care submissions and the need for assisted ventilation. 

Recently, our Dentist Dr. Amrita Sandhu had a talk with AirdrieToday.com about this topic. She said, “For us in the dental community, we’re constantly trying to get our patients to understand that oral health is linked to systemic health”. Dr. Amrita also added “ There tends to be a mindset that teeth are one issue and health is one issue and [oral health] has nothing to do with any other issue you might be having. Something we’re constantly trying to explain to our patients is that gum disease, if it’s chronic or long-standing, basically [gives you] an increased level of inflammation in your body.” 

Are you still wondering how COVID-19 and gum disease can be linked? In the words of the best Airdrie dentist “Whatever bacteria are in your mouth, it’s going through your whole system. When you have that going on and get something like COVID-19, which is a virus that enters your body, your body triggers an immune response. If you already have other risk factors and long-standing chronic inflammation…your body reacts and can have a more exacerbated outcome.”

Effective ways to prevent periodontal infection

Adding a few steps to your daily routine can really help to avoid periodontal infection. We have provided the effective tips in the pointers below:

  • Brush your teeth – You should always brush before going to bed. Brushing helps to get rid of the food particles stuck in between your teeth. Deposition of these remnant food particles initiates the buildup of plaque (film-like substance consisting of harmful bacteria). Therefore not brushing can be the reason for gum infection or periodontitis. You should know the correct process of brushing. Always get a toothbrush that has softer bristles. Brushing your teeth with hard bristles can be the primary reason behind enamel decay. Be very gentle while moving the toothbrush in a circular motion to clean your teeth. In case of teeth sensitivity, do buy a toothpaste that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Dentists advise maintaining a time gap of at least 30 minutes to 1 hour between eating and brushing your teeth. Make sure to also brush the inner walls of your mouth and your tongue to eliminate the chances of suffering from gum problems. 
  • Floss daily – Flossing is a must if you want to take proper care of your gums. Using floss helps to reach the areas that cannot be reached by your toothbrush. Flossing at least once a day will definitely help to get rid of plaque and debris stuck in between your teeth and gum line. Do floss before brushing your teeth for great results.
  • Rinse your mouth with a mouthwash – Nowadays, you can get different types of mouthwashes at the market. Try to get an antibacterial mouthwash to fight against the bacteria present in your mouth. This will also make you feel fresh and resolve the issue of bad breath. 
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle – Try to incorporate healthy measures in your life to maintain your oral health. Do not smoke, try to avoid sugary and sticky food items, including more fruits and vegetables in your diet. 

We hope that keeping these few things in mind will be helpful in avoiding periodontitis. In case of any further confusion, do not hesitate to get in touch with the best dentists in Airdrie, AB. South Airdrie Smiles is here to help you out in every way possible. Just give us a call at (587) 801-7094.