Periodontitis from the age of 50 – how to prevent it Good oral hygiene helps!

From 50 Periodontitis – how to prevent it?

The good news: careful oral hygiene throughout life prevents periodontitis and inflammation. Gums remain pink, firm and healthy. In particular, the daily and thorough use of interdental brushes helps to remove plaque in crucial places.

In the case of narrow interdental spaces, dental floss can also be used instead. This prevents inflammation and bleeding gums from occurring in the first place. Also important: During semi-annual check-ups, the dentist can detect the first signs of gingivitis and treat them accordingly.

Professional dental cleaning (PZR) according to individual needs also has a preventive effect. This shows that people who regularly have a PZR performed suffer up to 50 percent less from periodontitis.

Careful oral hygiene also includes thorough brushing of the teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.

Measuring brings clarity in periodontitis

Every two years, the statutory health insurance covers the costs of a periodontitis check-up. As part of the dental checkup, the dentist examines the gums.

He uses a probe to feel the tissue between the teeth and gums. It measures the depth of the gingival pockets and checks whether the gums are bleeding or there are deposits on the tooth surfaces.

The measured values result in the Periodontal Screening Index (PSI). This helps to detect possible periodontitis. X-rays and more precise measurements are also necessary for further clarification of suspected periodontitis. In this way, he can get an accurate picture of the state of health of the jawbone.

In aggressive forms of periodontitis, an additional microbiological determination of the pocket bacteria can be useful.

©proDente e.V.

Menopause: Teeth need special attention

Hot flashes or sleep disturbances are typical symptoms in menopausal women. The hormonal fluctuations can also lead to inflammation of the gums, the so-called hormonal gingivitis. The gums swell, allow harmful metabolic products of bacteria to pass more easily and bleed.

Affected women often brush less frequently and less thoroughly than before to avoid pain and bleeding. This leads to increased plaque, which can promote periodontitis. Therefore, menopausal women should pay special attention to careful oral hygiene and make semi-annual check-ups with their dentist.

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