Learn more about the risk factors for periodontitis and what steps you should take to prevent this common disease.
Early detection: Periodontal disease can be detected early through six-monthly examinations by the dentist.Environmental factors and lifestyle: Good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing can prevent periodontitis.Risk factors: Smoking and certain diseases such as diabetes increase the risk of developing periodontitis.Professional precaution: Professional teeth cleaning and regular follow-up care after surgical periodontal treatment are crucial.
early detection
Regular six-monthly dental examinations enable early diagnosis of the disease. The dentist can not only recognize the signs of periodontitis, but also identify risk factors that can lead to future periodontitis.
Environmental factors and lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle and good oral hygiene are crucial to preventing periodontitis. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing between your teeth. But be careful: you should wait half an hour after eating to avoid damaging your tooth enamel.
Dentists recommend soft toothbrushes that should be replaced at least every three months. If you have problems with traditional dental floss, you can also use dental floss holders, interdental brushes or water flossers.
Risk factors
Smoking and illnesses such as diabetes can increase the risk of periodontal disease. On average, smokers have a five to six times increased risk of periodontitis. It is therefore strongly recommended that you quit smoking. Illnesses such as diabetes can also promote periodontitis. It is therefore particularly important to treat the underlying disease effectively.
Professional precaution
Professional teeth cleaning and regular follow-up care after surgical periodontal treatment are crucial to preventing periodontitis. During professional teeth cleaning, all teeth are thoroughly cleaned and individual problem areas are uncovered. As a rule, you will be explained again how you can care for your teeth individually and how often you should plan for professional teeth cleaning per year.
About the author
Lucia Windhoff is an experienced communications expert with a bachelor’s degree in media studies and art history as well as a master’s degree in communications management. She has diverse professional experience in different industries such as automotive, e-commerce and food. She has been at Burda Forward for almost three years, where she initially worked in campaign management for the health and lifestyle areas before moving to the health editorial team. There she deals intensively with various diseases and their causes, symptoms and prevention.
Important NOTE: This is general information only. We do not claim to be complete. If you suspect periodontitis, please see a doctor immediately. This information can never replace the advice of a doctor.