To maintain optimal oral health, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular dental visits, at intervals determined by a dentist. Most people adhere to the "once every 6 months" rule simply because most insurance will only cover 2 cleanings a year. This may be better for your wallet but not necessarily for your teeth. Those with a high risk of periodontal disease may need to see their dentist more frequently in order to control the disease and keep their teeth health. This may only mean one or two extra cleanings a year!
What is Periodontal Disease?
Despite the fact that virtually everyone brushes their teeth, half of all Americans have gum disease.
Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support teeth.
Healthy gum tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth. When someone has periodontal disease, the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth. As the disease worsens, the tissue and bone that support the tooth are destroyed. Over time, teeth may fall out or need to be removed. Treating periodontal disease in the early stages can help prevent tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is an infection that affects the tissues and bone that support teeth.
Healthy gum tissue fits like a cuff around each tooth. When someone has periodontal disease, the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth. As the disease worsens, the tissue and bone that support the tooth are destroyed. Over time, teeth may fall out or need to be removed. Treating periodontal disease in the early stages can help prevent tooth loss.
How can I prevent periodontal diseases?
A good oral hygiene routine practiced for a few minutes twice a day can help reduce your risk of getting periodontal disease and tooth decay. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss or use another between- the- tooth cleaner daily to remove plaque and bits of food from areas your toothbrush can't reach. Visit your dentist regularly. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove tartar, which traps bacteria along the gum line.
Waterpik Waterflosser
Clinical research confirms that the Waterpik Water Flosser is significantly more effective than string floss for reducing gingivitis and improving gum health. The Waterpik Water Flosser provides a unique combination of water pressure and pulsations to clean deep between teeth and below the gumline, removing harmfu bacteria and debris that traditional brushing and flossing can't reach.