Tips for preventing gum disease in Longview

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is infection in the supporting tissues that surround the teeth. It is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in America today. Studies have also found an association between gum disease and a number of serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. Dr. Karen Frazer Rea and Dr. Fee Dee Rea believe in providing preventive care and education to help patients who visit their Longview office avoid this destructive condition. They offer the following tips:

• Diet: Reduce the frequency and quantity of sugary foods in your diet. Remember, the sugars and acids in fruit juices can cause tooth erosion. Consume sugary or acidic items with meals and follow with brushing or rinsing.
• Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, making sure to clean every surface of every tooth. Brushing after every meal or snack is even better, but if you can’t brush that frequently, rinsing after meals and snacks reduces bacteria by 30 percent.
• Flossing: Unfortunately, many people frequently skip this crucial step in their hygiene routine. Floss can remove food debris, plaque, and bacteria from the areas where the bristles of the toothbrush cannot reach.
• Rinsing: Prescription chlorhexidine mouthwash or Listerine are plaque fighters. However, in many cases, plain water is sufficient. Rinse your mouth carefully to remove the debris and bacteria loosened by brushing and flossing.
• Tobacco: It is estimated that smoking is a factor in 50 percent of chronic gum disease cases. If you smoke or use smokeless tobacco, stopping this habit is an important step in restoring oral health.
• Dental checkups: People rarely know they have gum disease until it is in the advanced stages. Regular examinations allow the doctor to catch it in the beginning stages. Early treatment can help control the disease and limit damage to the oral structure.

Dr. Karen Frazer Rea and Dr. Fee Dee Rea and their staff will be happy to advise you on proper techniques for oral hygiene, and they can recommend brushing or flossing aids that may make this crucial task even easier. To schedule an appointment, you can use the convenient form at the side of this page, or call our Longview office at 903.753.3531.

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