Mouth Owner's Manual: Self-care, How-To-Guide

Penodontal, or gum, disease is one of the most common and serious dental problems today People of all ages may experience symptoms of this disease, which can lead to tooth loss if not detected and treated early. Peno” means around, and “dontal” means tooth. Periodontal disease is an infection that gradually destroys the tissue surrounding your teeth and the jawbone that supports them. So whether you have healthy gums and want to keep them that way, or you already have gum disease and want to control it better, find out more about gum disease, and know that it can be treated. When you take proper care of your gums you automatically reduce the incidence of tooth decay.

Team up with Your DentistThe best thing to do is to understand gum disease and tooth decay, and find out if you need professional treatment. Your dentist will strongly urge you to follow a dedicated self-care program of flossing and brushing. This, combined with regular cleanings and maintenance, is the key to fighting gum disease and tooth decay.

Flossing vs. BrushingIf your dentist or hygienist were stranded on a deserted island and had to choose between dental floss and a toothbrush, he or she would probably pick the floss. Why? Because brushing only gets rid of a fraction of the plaque in your mouth. Flossing takes care of the majority of trapped food and plaque Ask your dentist or hygienist to give you hands-on instruction, but remember that everyone does it differently You will need to practice at first, but, in time, you will develop a pattern that works best for you.