Three Things to Prevent Tooth Loss and Other Serious Problems

While you might not realize it, inflammation in your mouth signals problems and shouldn’t be ignored.

For example, periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth. The inflammatory reaction is your body’s way of removing the toxins released by bacteria that live on your teeth and gums.

Over time, this inflammation leads to the breakdown of the tissues around your teeth and the supporting bone, which may cause teeth to become loose or even fall out.

The inflammation in your mouth can cause other serious conditions too, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

What to do if you’re experiencing inflammation in your mouth

Persistent inflammation in your mouth should be evaluated by a periodontist, who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment for your situation. As with any health issue, the sooner your evaluation, the better chance you have of reducing treatment requirements. And in case you are putting off evaluation because you are worried about what the treatment might be–you’ll be relieved to find out that new treatments are now available which provide great results with no pain, no bleeding, no swelling, and no down time.

How to reduce inflammation in your mouth

There are three things you can do to help reduce the inflammation in your mouth resulting from periodontal disease. These are:

  1. Eat a well-balanced diet. A balanced diet can improve your overall health as well as your dental health. Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, herring, or sardines) and walnuts have been shown to reduce inflammation.

    Green tea, which also contains antioxidants, has also proven to reduce inflammation in the body.

  2. Exercise. People who maintain a healthy body weight and who exercise regularly also experience less incidence of gum disease than people who do not exercise regularly. Moderate exercise can help with inflammation body, however excessive (think running a marathon) can actually increase inflammation. It’s a good idea to check with a health care professional if you plan to start a new exercise program.
  3. Brushing and flossing. Brushing and flossing your teeth can remove the bacteria that cause inflammation. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once daily. You should also see your dentist twice a year for cleanings and check-ups and more frequently if you have indications that you are susceptible to periodontal disease, such as gingivitis.