The following steps can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease:

• Stop smoking.
• Eat nutritiously.
• Follow good dental self-care practices.
• Get regular professional dental care.

Smoking is a major risk factor for the development of periodontal disease. Talk to your doctor about programs and aids to help you kick this habit.

A nutritious diet can help you fight all forms of infection, including the kind that causes periodontal disease. Ask your doctor whether you would benefit from:

• Working with a nutritionist
• Taking vitamin supplements (especially vitamin C)

• Brush your teeth twice daily:
  • Use an end-rounded, soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • If you have trouble managing with a manual toothbrush, consider using an electric toothbrush.
  • Brush first with a dry brush; follow this by brushing with toothpaste.
  • Dry brushing should take about 90 seconds.
  • Brushing with toothpaste should take about 30 seconds.
  • Use a toothpaste containing fluoride.
  • Hold your brush at a 45° angle with the bristles toward the gum.
  • Brush every tooth surface and along the gum line, using small, circular motions.
• Clean between your teeth once each day, using either floss or another cleaning aid prescribed by your dentist
• Ask your dentist if you would benefit from a fluoride mouth rinse.

You should see your dentist every six months for a careful cleaning and for a thorough dental checkup. Furthermore, if you’ve already been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you should have a more thorough cleaning every three months.