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Gum disease affects millions of people in the United States and without treatment patients may develop adult tooth loss. People often ask, “Can I prevent gum disease?” In fact, you may have a significant chance of avoiding periodontal disease if you practice good and thorough oral hygiene.

Moreno Valley, CA Gum Disease Prevention Quiz

1. True or False: You need to recognize the warning signs.

2. True or False: Brushing every day can help reduce symptoms.

3. True or False: You need to floss regularly as well.

4. True or False: Prevention means having your teeth cleaned at least twice a year.

Answer Key

1. True. How do you know if you have, or are at risk of developing, gum disease? Common early warning signs include sore gums that may appear red, and bleeding when brushing and flossing. As the issue progresses you may notice receding gums, bad breath, and even loose teeth. Once you experience the early warning signs we advise seeing a dental professional as soon as possible.

2. True. When we brush regularly we can often help reduce the severity of plaque buildup. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day, once when you wake up and again before going to bed. You need to brush thoroughly, on the front and tops of the teeth.

3. True. Flossing removes food that becomes trapped between teeth, where brushing cannot reach. Bacteria break down the food particles and increase oral acidity, coating the teeth in a layer of plaque that irritates the gums and causes inflammation.

4. True. Brushing and flossing can’t completely remove plaque buildup. For that, you will need a professional dental cleaning at least once every six months. The cleaning involves removing the plaque with either a manual tool or an ultrasonic scaler. We then polish the teeth for an esthetically pleasing appearance.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.