Tips to Prevent Gum Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as “gum disease,” is a dangerous condition that goes unnoticed by many people. When it comes to a toothache vs. bleeding gums, most individuals focus on the tooth. Having said that, it’s your gums that keep your teeth in place! Tooth loss can occur if infection and disease are present. The good news is that the early stages of gum disease can be avoided and even reversed with regular maintenance and good dental hygiene. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips to prevent gum disease.  

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, often known as gum disease, is the inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding your teeth. Plaque forms on teeth as bacteria and other particles in our mouths accumulate over time. Plaque builds up and irritates your teeth and gums when removed with frequent brushing and flossing. The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis, only affects the soft tissue of the gums, and you may not feel any pain. Even though the symptoms may seem minor, diagnosing gum disease early on before it progresses to periodontitis is critical. Periodontitis is the word for a more severe form of periodontal disease that affects the gums and the bone structures that support the teeth if left untreated.  

Tips to Prevent Gum Disease

Although gum disease is prevalent, it is also mostly preventable if you begin treatment early. We have put together some great tips to help prevent gum disease.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Regularly brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at least twice a day is recommended by the American Dental Association. Flossing eliminates plaque between teeth, which is more difficult to reach. After each meal, Dr. Hoffman recommends brushing your gums and teeth to keep your teeth healthy. This helps remove the food particles without damaging your teeth’s enamel. We can show you the most effective way to brush your teeth at your next session.
2. Use Mouthwash: Many people overlook the benefits of using mouthwash. An antibacterial mouthwash, taken twice a day, can help prevent bacteria from attacking the gums and teeth, in addition to refreshing your breath.
3. Use a Gum Stimulator: A rubber gum stimulator is preferable to a toothpick when massaging the gums. It also cleans the teeth’s interdental surfaces. First, place the rubber point between two teeth. Next, point the tip of the stimulator on the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Then, move the gum stimulator in a circular motion. After 10 seconds of circular motion, move on to the next tooth.
4. Stay Hydrated: Gum disease can be prevented, and you can maintain overall health with adequate hydration. When you drink water, your saliva production increases, which aids in the fight against dangerous bacteria in your mouth.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet: Healthy eating is one of the best things you can do for your gums. Sugary foods can cause gum disease by allowing bacteria to feed on the sugar and produce toxic acids and plaque. Tooth decay is more likely as a result of this. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps to keep teeth strong and prevent health problems like gum disease.

  There are so many ways that you can prevent gum disease. However, the best advice we can give is to come to Oak Hollow Family Dentistry in Draper, Utah, twice a year for dental cleaning and checkup. Professional dental cleanings are necessary since not everything can be taken care of at home, such as stubborn tartar accumulation. Regular dental examinations detect illness symptoms, treating and reversing them. When performing visual inspections of the teeth and gums, we are taught what to look for and how to treat it. If there are signs that you may have gingivitis or gum disease that is worsening, you should seek treatment right away. Schedule an appointment today if it has been a while since your last cleaning or checkup.