How Can Periodontal Disease Be Prevented?

Good oral hygiene and professional care are the keys to keeping your teeth for a lifetime. The best way to prevent periodontal diseases and tooth decay is to remove the bacterial plaque by thorough brushing and flossing every day. Good oral hygiene habits will help keep the formation of dental tartar to a minimum.

Regular dental visits that include a periodontal examination are also important to detect any changes in periodontal health and, if necessary, to remove hardened tartar in places that your toothbrush and floss may have missed. A professional cleaning (often called a prophylaxis) at least twice a year is recommended for patients with good periodontal health. If you have had any form of the periodontal diseases, you may need professional periodontal maintenance more frequently and possibly for lifetime.

Congratulations on taking the first step to achieving periodontal health! Preventing and/or controlling periodontal diseases is a worthwhile commitment that will keep you smiling for life.

Families and Periodontal Disease:

Several recent studies support the association between periodontal (gum) disease and family members.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE IS CONTAGIOUS AND CAN BE TRANSMITTED BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS.

Researchers suggest that bacteria that causes periodontal disease passes through saliva. This means that the common act of kissing causes contact of saliva in families which puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member.

Research also shows that up to 30% may be genetically susceptible to developing severe periodontal disease according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. These findings could result in the early identification and treatment of at-risk patients.

Based on this research, The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recognizes that treatment of gum disease may involve entire families. If one family member has periodontal disease, the AAP recommends that all family members see a periodontist for a professional disease screening.

For free brochures on periodontal disease and oral health, use the AAP's online request link at  American Academy of Periodontics, or toll free at 1-800-FLOSS-EM.

Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, it is still possible to develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.

Periodontics Presentation

To provide you with a better understanding of periodontics, we have provided the following multimedia presentation. Many common questions pertaining to periodontics are discussed.

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