Five Easy Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is the infection or inflammation of the tissue and bones that surround and support the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause tooth loss and bone loss, which can be painful and contribute to other illness such as heart disease and diabetes.

Some symptoms of gum disease include sore or bleeding gums, constant bad breath, changes in the way your teeth fit together, and changes in how dental appliances fit. It is not normal for teeth to bleed when you brush them. If your teeth bleed when you brush them, you’ll want to schedule a dental appointment right away to discuss it with your dentist.

Here are some simple ways you can improve your oral health and prevent gum disease:

Brush your teeth a minimum of twice daily. Brushing stimulates the gums which helps keep them healthy and fights gum disease. It removes the plaque that builds up on your teeth and gums and causes gingivitis. Everything you eat and drink passes through your mouth, and not cleaning it properly can lead to the growth of bacteria and infection. There is no substitute for brushing daily and practicing good habits.

Flossing daily helps to remove the deposits that build up between teeth in places toothbrushes can’t reach. The ADA recommends flossing before your brush so that the fluoride in the toothpaste can reach more of the teeth’s surface.

Avoid smoking and tobacco use. Smoking interferes with the normal function of gum tissue and cells. It impairs blood flow to the gums and makes you more susceptible to infection. It can cause the gum and tissue that support your teeth to retract and lead to infection that can cause permanent tooth and bone loss.

Follow a nutritional diet and make healthy choices. Without the proper nutrients from a healthy diet, the body can have a hard time fighting off infection and inflammation. Vitamin D is important for fighting inflammation and should be part of your regular diet. If you are overweight, you have an increased risk of illness and disease.

It is important to visit your dentist regularly. If caught in its early stage, gum disease can be reversed with proper care. If you are experiencing problems with your gums, don’t be embarrassed. We are in this business to help people have a beautiful smiles and will work with you to devise a regimen to ensure you have optimal oral health.