In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is important to remove plaque, which causes periodontal disease. The removal of plaque or prevention of it accumulating on the teeth is called plaque control. Plaque control is divided into self-care, performed at home every day, and professional care performed by a dentist.
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- In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is important to remove plaque through adequate brushing and to reduce the risk factors of periodontal disease.
Periodontal Disease Prevention at Home (Self-Care)
You can check for periodontal disease by observing your gums in a mirror. You need to be careful if your gums bleed when brushing your teeth or if your gums appear red and swollen.
Self-Care at Home
Focus on the Gum Line when Brushing
Brushing Method for Effectively Preventing Periodontal Disease
Brushing method for effectively preventing periodontal disease: place the toothbrush bristle ends on the gum line at a 45º angle and move the brush horizontally in small motions (about 5 mm).
Use a Toothbrush Suitable for Preventing Periodontal Disease
To effectively remove plaque, a toothbrush of “normal” hardness is recommended. However, if you have periodontal disease and your gums bleed easily, start by using a “soft” toothbrush, and switch to a “hard” toothbrush once your gums recover. In addition, by using a toothbrush with super-tapered bristles, you remove plaque from areas where plaque hides, such as in the gingival sulcus (the space between the teeth and gums), periodontal pockets and between teeth.
Use Toothpaste Suitable for Preventing Periodontal Disease
The major active ingredients contained in toothpaste and their actions are shown in the table below. Choose toothpaste according to the conditions of your mouth.
The major active ingredients and their actions are shown in the table below.
Choose toothpaste according to the conditions of your mouth.
Major Active Ingredients
| Purpose | Ingredient | Action |
| Caries prevention | sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) sodium fluoride (NaF) |
Strengthens teeth Promotes remineralization Suppresses acid production |
| Prevention of periodontal disease (gingivitis/periodontitis) | Tranexamic acid | Prevents bleeding |
| dipotassium glycyrrhizate | Anti-inflammatory effect | |
| β-Glycyrrhetinic acid | ||
| Isopropyl methylphenol (IPMP) | Disinfectant effect | |
| Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) | ||
| Phellodendron amurense extract | Astringent effect (tightens the gums) Anti-inflammatory effect / Disinfectant effect |
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| Sodium chloride | Astringent effect | |
| Tocopherol acetate(vitamin E) | Blood circulation promotion | |
| Tartar prevention | Polyphosphate sodium | Inhibit formation for calcium and phosphate |
| Sodium pyrophosphate | ||
| Prevention of sensitivity | Aluminum lactate | Seals dentinal tubules |
| Potassium nitrate | Prevents transmission of stimulus | |
| Removal of tar stains on teeth | Polyethyleneglycol | Breaks down cigarette stains |
| Prevention of bad breath | LSS (sodium lauroyl sarcosinate) | Disinfectant effect |
Use Mouthwash (Dental Rinse) Before Bedtime
Clean Between Your Teeth Using Dental Floss or an Interdental Brush
- When you have narrow spaces between your teeth → use dental floss
- When you have gaps between your teeth → use an interdental brush
Review and Improve Your Lifestyle Habits
Smoking is a major risk factor that worsens periodontal disease. In addition, be careful not to consume too many sweets or soft foods, and try to maintain a regular and well-balanced diet.
Professional Periodontal Disease Prevention by a Dentist (Professional Care)
In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is important to receive regular checkups from a dentist in addition to self-care. The frequency of checkups differs for each person, depending on the conditions of periodontal disease or how easily plaque or tartar builds up. It is recommended that you receive at least one checkup per year.
Professional Care at a Dentist
- Regular checkups
- Measurement of periodontal pockets
- Examination for bleeding from periodontal pockets
- Removal of plaque and tartar
- Tooth brushing instructions
