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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffThe best way to prevent periodontitis is to follow a program of good oral hygiene, one that you begin early and practice consistently throughout life. That means brushing your teeth at least twice daily — in the morning and before going to bed — and flossing at least once a day. Better yet, brush after every meal or snack or as your dentist recommends. A complete cleaning with a toothbrush and floss should take three to five minutes. Flossing before you brush allows you to clean away the loosened food particles and bacteria.
Also, see your dentist or dental hygienist regularly for cleanings, usually every six to 12 months. If you have risk factors that increase your chance of developing periodontitis, you may need professional tooth cleaning more often.
- What is gum disease? Association of General Dentistry. http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=G&iid=324&aid=1251. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
- De Oliveira C, et al. Toothbrushing, inflammation and risk of cardiovascular disease: Results from Scottish Health Survey. British Medical Journal. 2010;340:2451. http://www.bmj.com/content/340/bmj.c2451.full.pdf. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
- Periodontal (gum) disease: Causes, symptoms and treatments. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
- Wilder RS, et al. Gingivitis and periodontitis in adults: Classification and dental treatment. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
- How to keep a healthy smile for life. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/smileforlife.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
- Gonsalves WC, et al. Common oral conditions in older persons. American Family Physician. 2008;78:845.
- Mouth-body connection. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.top2.htm. Accessed Aug. 23, 2010.
- Pocket depth reduction. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/pocket.htm. Accessed Aug. 24, 2010.
- Soft tissue grafts. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx. Accessed Aug 27, 2010.
- Cleaning your teeth and gums. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2624.aspx. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
- Gum disease and diabetes. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.diabetes.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
- Gum disease and respiratory diseases. American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.respiratory.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
- Esposito M, et al. Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010:CD003875.
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