Preventing Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease can be easily prevented or managed through proper oral health. Accomplishing this involves correct brushing and flossing techniques, eliminating or managing risk factors, such as smoking, and following a homecare maintenance routine.

Periodontal disease can be prevented, and even reversed in the early stages, by keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Brush teeth twice a day

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Power toothbrushes help to effectively clean hard-to-clean areas such as large spaces between teeth, around dental work and around orthodontics
• Use toothpaste and mouth rinses that contain fluoride to strengthen the teeth and prevent decay
  
  

Clean between teeth each day

• Use floss or interdental cleaners
• Helps to reduce bacteria and plaque that builds up in the tight spaces between teeth
  
  

Use a tongue cleaner each day to remove bacteria

Eat a balanced diet

Visit a dentist regularly

• The dental team will remove plaque that has hardened into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing at home
• Regular checkups help identify and treat problems early when permanent damage can be prevented
  
  

Reduce or eliminate activities that may cause periodontal disease

• Steroids
• Tobacco use
• Alcohol abuse
  
  

For additional information, visit the American Dental Association: Oral Health Topics web page.