5 Tips for Preventing Gum Disease
A smile is one of the most unique features we have. But what happens when you skip a couple of days brushing your teeth because you are too tired? Or neglect to floss just because there is no food present? Do you find yourself eating too many sugary foods that could be damaging your gums? These are the questions you should be asking if you suspect any signs of gum disease.
Healthy gums are vital for maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping all your teeth intact. Gum disease is common but preventable with proper dental care and routine visits to a family dentist. Here are five tips for keeping your mouth infection free.
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What Is Gum Disease?
Even if you have the whitest and straightest teeth in the world, you may still be prone to developing gum disease. Gum disease can develop when plaque starts to build up from the gumline. Plaque can damage and hurt the bone, which can then lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even gingivitis.
It can be tough to know if you removed all the plaque off your teeth after brushing them. The way you brush your teeth has a huge impact on keeping your gums healthy.
If you cannot detect any plaque buildup, here are signs you may have gum disease that may warrant a trip to the dentist:
- Your gums easily bleed
- You notice that your breath constantly smells bad even after brushing
- Your gums are swollen, red, or inflamed
- You notice your gums pulling away from your teeth
- You have one or more loose teeth
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
You may have heard your dentist tell you during every visit how important it is to brush your teeth at least twice a day to avoid any gum disease and cavities. Well, it’s true!
Brushing your teeth in the morning gets rid of bad breath and any buildup of acid and bacteria overnight. We brush our teeth again at night right before bed because it helps remove bacteria and get rid of any food particles we ate throughout the day.
2. Floss at Least Once a Day
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 16% of people floss daily, 20% of people only floss when there is something stuck in their teeth, and 8% never floss. When your dentist asks you if you’ve been flossing daily what do you tell them? About 44% of patients admit they have exaggerated about how much they floss. It’s important to floss daily to help lift and remove any remaining food particles and plaque buildup.
3. Adapt to a Healthier Diet
Healthy foods help keep your teeth nice and strong, which is why it’s important to maintain a healthy, clean diet. When you don’t get enough nutrients, it puts your teeth at risk for more infection because your teeth aren’t getting the nutrients they need in order to maintain strength. If you are having trouble incorporating healthier food options into your diet, try more calcium and avoid sugary foods.
4. Quit Smoking
Any form of smoking is extremely detrimental to your teeth’s overall health, especially for your gums. Smoking weakens your immune system, which makes it harder to fight infection. This may result in gum disease and make the process of healing your gums more difficult.
5. See Your Dentist Regularly
Paying a visit to your dentist on a regular basis will keep your gums and teeth healthier. Your dentist will be able to help you detect cavities or signs of gum disease early on so you can prevent them from getting worse. They will also be able to provide you with teeth cleanings and maintenance to keep your teeth strong.
Come and See South Anchorage Dental Center
At South Anchorage Dental Center, we understand that teeth and gum health are extremely important to you, which is why we offer only the best teeth cleanings and regular checkups to prevent gum disease and any additional damage.
We offer world-class dentistry expertise and a multitude of dental services. We pride ourselves on giving our patients the best care they deserve. We also offer an emergency dental service where we provide 24/7 dental support in case something serious pops up. We want you to know that we are there for you at all hours.
A trip to the dentist can sometimes be expensive based on the type of treatment you are receiving, which is why we offer a discount. Our dental savings plan for our patients will be able to save them up to 20% off all treatments.
Keep your gums healthy. Schedule an appointment with us today!
