<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about "periodontitis" (3) Methods to prevent and control periodontitis Methods to prevent periodontal disease Let's learn the correct way to brush our teeth. Treatment (improvement) methods for periodontal disease Be careful of worsening (severity) of periodontal disease. Periodontitis (pyorrhea) is often overlooked because its symptoms are common, and by the time pain or discomfort appears, the disease may have progressed considerably. Therefore, prevention is said to be more important than treating it after painful symptoms appear. We will explain in detail what methods are effective for prevention, under the supervision of a dentist. Methods to prevent periodontal disease What should you keep in mind to prevent periodontal disease? Here, we will explain some common methods for preventing periodontal disease. Make proper brushing and gargling a habit. To prevent periodontal disease, the most important thing is to make proper brushing a habit. If you don't have time to brush your teeth after meals, even just rinsing your mouth is more effective than doing nothing. Use dental floss and interdental brushes. Brushing your teeth with a toothbrush alone may not remove all the food particles and plaque from between your teeth, so be sure to use dental floss or interdental brushes when you brush. For example, if you have few gaps between your teeth, use dental floss; if you have gaps, use interdental brushes. People with tartar should have it removed regularly at the dentist. If you have tartar, have it removed at the dentist. Tartar can cause an increase in periodontal disease-causing bacteria, so do not leave it untreated. Get regular dental cleanings and checkups. Visit your dentist every three months for regular cleanings and checkups. This allows for the removal of any tartar, and if you have periodontal disease, treatment can begin before it becomes too severe. Orthodontic treatment If you have gaps between your teeth or misaligned teeth, food particles can easily get stuck in those gaps, making you more susceptible to periodontal disease. Orthodontic treatment can reduce the risk of periodontal bacteria multiplying. Quit smoking Data shows that smokers are more prone to periodontal disease than non-smokers. Smoking weakens the body's immune function, including that of the gums, making it easier for bacteria to multiply. Let's learn the correct way to brush our teeth. Many people might think that brushing their teeth is enough, but that's a misconception. To prevent periodontal disease, you can effectively remove plaque by holding the toothbrush at about a 45-degree angle to the gum line. This brushing method is called the "Bass method." The correct way to brush your teeth Polish one or two at a time carefully. Moving your toothbrush in large, sweeping motions from side to side can lead to missed spots. Instead, move the brush head in small, short strokes, brushing one or two teeth at a time, taking your time to clean them thoroughly. Move with light force When brushing your teeth, be careful not to apply too much pressure. The ideal pressure is around 150g to 200g; just enough pressure so that the bristles don't spread out. Brush the area where your teeth meet your gums. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and brush. Move the brush in small, precise strokes, one tooth at a time, imagining you are scraping out dirt and plaque from between the teeth. Some suggest that it's better to brush your teeth a while after eating because your mouth is acidic immediately afterward. Make it a habit to brush your teeth three times a day after meals to keep your mouth clean. Treatment (improvement) methods for periodontal disease If periodontitis (gingivitis) worsens, it cannot be improved without professional dental treatment. This section explains the treatment methods available at dental clinics. scaling We remove tartar using specialized instruments. Surgical treatment (flap operation) When periodontal pockets become deep and tartar cannot be completely removed by scaling, the gums are incised to remove the tartar. Periodontal tissue regeneration therapy (Emdogain) This treatment aims to regenerate periodontal tissue by injecting bFGF (a type of protein) that exists in the body and regulates cell proliferation and differentiation into the gums. Until now, periodontal tissue regeneration treatment was a complex and expensive procedure, but with the emergence of new technology, it has become covered by insurance and regenerative therapy is now a more accessible option. bone graft This treatment involves transplanting bone from another part of the body (the patient's own bone) or artificial bone to the jawbone that has been severely damaged and lost due to periodontal disease. Be careful of worsening (severity) of periodontal disease. Finally, I'd like to share some ways to detect periodontal disease early and prevent it from worsening. If the symptoms of periodontal disease are mild, it can heal quickly and be completely cured, so don't take it lightly, even if it's just bleeding while brushing your teeth. Seek dental attention as soon as possible. Cases where periodontal disease worsens If you don't brush your teeth, plaque will build up, which can worsen periodontitis (gum disease). Some people get scared when their gums bleed and stop brushing, but if you have periodontitis, you should always continue brushing your gums even if there is some bleeding. At first, your gums may be swollen and bleeding, but in most cases the swelling will subside and the bleeding will stop as you continue brushing. If it worsens, be sure to see a dentist. Even advanced periodontitis (pyorrhea) can be treated. In recent years, there are methods to induce the regeneration of periodontal tissue, but it is not always possible to 100% regenerate the bone lost due to periodontal bacteria. For prevention, it is important to brush your teeth correctly, and if the symptoms of periodontitis do not improve, it is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible. If you suspect you might have periodontal disease, we recommend consulting a dentist for a check-up. Receiving instructions on how to brush your teeth properly will not only help prevent periodontal disease but also help you keep your own teeth for life. Supervised by: Dr. Masato Kobayashi, Director of Sara Dental Clinic NogataGraduated from Niigata School of Life Dentistry, Nippon Dental University in 1998. Member of the Japanese Society of Oral Implantology, the Japanese Society of Gnathology and Occlusion, and the Japanese Society for Dental Aesthetics. After serving as director of clinics providing state-of-the-art dental treatment in Shinagawa and Minato wards, she opened Sara Dental Clinic Nogata. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.