Gum disease, an infection of the tissues that support the teeth, is a major cause of adult tooth loss. Is there anything you can do to avoid gum disease?
Two, two, two. Two, one, two. Two, two, two.
You may have heard your dental hygienist call out numbers as she (or he) pokes and prods beside your pearly whites. What is she doing in there? She’s using a special ruler called a periodontal probe and it’s used to measure the pockets around your gums for a better understanding of your oral health.
Numbers 1-3 millimeters are considered normal depth. Measurements greater than 3 millimeters are considered a pocket. Deep pockets are an indication of periodontal disease.
Once your numbers are charted, a personalized treatment plan can be developed to control any problem areas so further bone and tissue loss can be minimized. Everyone knows there is nothing sexy about dentures in a jar by the bed.
Avoid tooth loss. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. According to the American Dental Association, the most important things you can do to avoid gum disease are:
- Brush twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to clean between teeth
- Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks
- Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings
It’s important to have your teeth and gums examined and measured for awesomeness. If you have questions about periodontal disease, ask your dentist.
