3 Best Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
October 11, 2017
When left untreated, periodontitis damages the soft tissues of your mouth. It’s uncomfortable in the early stages, but severe cases result in tooth loss. Here are three ways you can prevent gum disease.
Oral Hygiene
Gum disease happens when bacteria in the plaque on your teeth infect your mouth. To remove contaminants, brush and floss your teeth regularly, but simply swirling your toothbrush around for a few minutes is not always sufficient.
Proper brushing method:
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums
- Sweep gently away to remove plaque
- Brush back and forth along the surface of your teeth
- Clean all upper and lower teeth front and back
- Pay attention to chewing surfaces of your molars
Spend at least two full minutes brushing twice every day, and you also need to floss once daily. Flossing helps to clear food particles from between the teeth and stimulates gum growth.
Diet and Habits
Your Diet also impacts your gum health. Sugary foods promote bacteria growth. The bacteria multiply and convert those sugars into the acids that harm your teeth and gums. Sodas, sports drinks and alcoholic beverages coat your mouth with sugar and throw off the chemical balance.
Drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Smokers are also at increased risk. Although the primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, smoking accelerates decay. If possible, give up the habit.
Routine Check-Ups
Always visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings twice per year. During examinations, we make sure your gums are healthy and we clean away the buildup of plaque and tartar you missed during your daily care.
These checkups also give us the opportunity to spot problems before they progress. It’s easier to treat this condition in its earlier stages than to repair damage after it has progressed.
If you’re worried about your oral health and would like to be checked for periodontitis, contact our office today. Schedule your consultation for a periodontic treatment in Framingham, MA with Dr. Moghaddam today.