Save Your Smile with Gum Disease Therapy in Waterbury

Did you know there is another threat to your dental health other than tooth decay? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 50% of adults in the U.S. have gum disease. Although it is preventable, there is a high percentage of Americans who live with the infection. Often, it results from improper awareness about how the infection can be prevented and the complications it causes. Your dentist can help preserve your smile with gum disease therapy in Waterbury.

Combating Gum Disease

February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, which features a national and global effort to raise public awareness about the infection. The goal is to educate the public about the prevalence of the condition and the consequences of leaving it untreated. It also highlights preventive measures to decrease the likeliness of it occurring to promote better oral health.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection that results from bacteria found in tartar accumulations. Over time, it destroys the supporting structures of the teeth, making it a leading cause of tooth loss. The bacteria can also enter your bloodstream, causing a variety of health concerns.

Preventing Gum Disease

You can lessen the risk of needing periodontal therapy in Waterbury by practicing the proper oral hygiene habits at home. Your first line of defense is your toothbrush. Unfortunately, 46% of women and 51% of men do not brush their teeth enough. The American Dental Association recommends you use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean all surfaces of your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes each session.

Besides brushing, you also need to floss in between each tooth once a day. If you are like 73% of Americans, you would rather go grocery shopping than floss, but if you skip the habit you are leaving as much as 40% of your teeth’s surfaces uncleaned.

It is best to use a high-quality dental floss that has earned the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance to clean between each tooth and around the gum line before going to bed at night.

Although your home oral hygiene habits are important, so is the care you receive from your dentist in Waterbury. The American Dental Association recommends you visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. This allows them to remove harmful buildup that can lead to the infection while also monitoring your oral health. Your dentist can detect the early signs of gum disease to provide the quick intervention you need to save your smile.

Invest in a Healthy Smile Today!

It is never too late to lessen your risk of gum disease. With the right oral hygiene habits at home and regular care from your dentist, you can keep your smile healthy.

About Dr. Luciano Marini

Dr. Luciano Marini and Dr. Mancini strive to build lasting, healthy smiles. They focus on preventive care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Waterbury Smiles offers the services you need to quickly rehabilitate your oral health, like gum disease therapy. Contact Waterbury Smiles today to schedule an appointment.