Your oral health is important to your overall health. Periodic reminders have been proven to help people remember to go to regular cleaning visits with their dental health professionals more often. When you are seeing a periodontist for gum disease treatment or for follow-ups to prevent a relapse, it is important to remember the keys to good oral hygiene.
Daily Routines
These actions should be incorporated in your daily routine:
- Flossing
- Mouthwash
- Brushing
Taking your time and being thorough with each of these is vital. If you find that alcoholic mouthwashes irritate your gum tissue, there are non-alcoholic options available. There are also different flosses designed for your specific comfort needs.
Health Consequences of Poor Hygiene
There are a variety of health consequences that begin when your oral care slips:
- Tooth decay can also lead to fever and high blood pressure
- The infections that decay teeth also cause gum disease
- Gum disease can cause heart complications and secondary infections
- Bone loss in the jaw happens long-term, leading to tooth loss
All of these complications also increase the risk of oral cancer, especially for older patients and women.
Building a Routine
You need to seek treatment from a periodontist if you are already experiencing any symptoms of gum disease. The dentist will be able to assess your condition and make recommendations about immediate treatments. Establishing a solid relationship with a specialist will mean getting the help and advice you need to keep an eye on your oral hygiene going forward.
If you are ready to get your oral health back on track, contact our office today to request an appointment. Our friendly staff will be happy to help set you up with the first available time that fits your schedule, and they can also answer any questions you have about what to bring on your first visit.