Got Periodontal Disease? Steps To Make Treatment More Effective

If you've been diagnosed with periodontal disease, it's important that you begin treatment as soon as possible. Without periodontal disease treatment, you're at an increased risk for serious complications. Two of those complications include tooth loss and health-related problems. If you haven't started treatment for your periodontal disease, it's time to talk to your dentist. In addition to the treatment you'll receive, there are other steps you can take to protect your teeth. These steps will also help prevent the return of your periodontal disease. Here are four steps to help you heal from periodontal disease. 

Improve Oral Hygiene Routine

If you have periodontal disease, it's time to improve your oral hygiene routine. You might not realize this, but your oral hygiene routine could be increasing your risk for periodontal disease. This is especially true if you don't brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Or, if you don't visit your dentist at least twice a year. If your oral hygiene routine falls short of those goals, it's time for a change. Protect your teeth and your gums. Brush and floss your teeth at least a couple of times each day. Also, be sure to see your dentist for an exam and cleaning at least twice a year. If you haven't switched toothbrushes since your diagnosis, it's a good idea to do that too. That way, you're not using a toothbrush that's contaminated with periodontal bacteria.

Incorporate Dietary Changes

If you want to make your periodontal treatment more effective, now's the time to make some changes to your diet. The food you eat can have an impact on your teeth and your gums. This is especially true where periodontal disease is concerned. To improve the health of your gums, ensure that your diet is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and low in simple carbohydrates. Adding fiber to your diet can also help keep your gums healthy. It's also a good idea to cut back on sweets, including sweetened beverages. 

Eliminate Unhealthy Habits

If you use tobacco products, you could be harming your gums. Tobacco products increase your risk for gum disease, including periodontal disease. Now that you're undergoing periodontal treatment, it's time to eliminate unhealthy habits. Eliminating tobacco use will help make treatment more effective. It will also help prevent periodontal disease from returning. 

Keep Up With Treatment

If you need to have treatment for periodontal disease, follow through with the treatment. You might think you can stop treatment as soon as you see an improvement. That's not the case though. Without proper treatment, your periodontal disease could return. To avoid that, continue treatment until your dentist gives you the all-clear. 

For more information on periodontal disease, contact a dentist today.