Periodontal disease is a condition that starts out as inflammation of the gums and can progress to a serious infection that affects the gums and jaw bone. People with untreated periodontal disease are at risk of losing teeth. Luckily, periodontal disease can be prevented. If you want to avoid periodontal disease, use the following tips:

Regularly Brush Your Teeth

One of the simplest ways to prevent periodontal disease is through regular teeth brushing. When you brush your teeth, you remove food debris that the bacterial that causes periodontal disease feeds on. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after each meal. When brushing your teeth, don't forget to brush your tongue-- a lot of bacteria hides out there. You may also want to consider using an electric tooth brush, as high-quality models are quite effective at removing food debris and plaque along the gum lines.

Floss Daily

Brushing can remove a lot debris and plaque, but the bristles of a toothbrush don't always do a great job reaching in between the small cracks and crevices between teeth. Thus, it is very important to floss daily in order to remove plaque or food debris that brushing did not remove. Pay attention to how your gums react to flossing-- if you notice any bleeding, make sure to make an appointment with your dentist.

Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash

There are many different types of mouth washes available, but in order to prevent periodontal disease antimicrobial mouthwash is often recommended. This type of mouthwash is highly effective at killing the bacteria that can cause periodontal disease. There are many varieties of antimicrobial mouthwash available in stores and online. If you are at risk for periodontal disease, your dentist may prescribe a prescription strength antimicrobial mouthwash to use daily that is more powerful than what you can buy over the counter.

Make an Appointment with a Periodontist

While regular dental exams and cleanings with your regular dentist are very important for your overall oral health, it is also a good idea to see a periodontist. A periodontist is a dentist who has additional training in preventing, identifying, and treating periodontal disease.

When you see a periodontist like Tony Parsley, DMD, you can have a comprehensive periodontal evaluation performed, which includes examining your teeth and gums, checking your plaque level, checking your bite and bone structure, and identifying risks of periodontal disease. A periodontist can help ensure that you don't develop periodontal disease.