Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a severe and progressive condition that can cause pain, swelling, receding gums, and even tooth loss. It’s a common problem for many people, but it’s one that you can prevent with good oral hygiene habits.
This article will discuss the steps you need to take to avoid gum disease and keep your mouth healthy. Following these simple tips can help ensure that your teeth remain strong and your gums stay healthy for years to come.
Brush your teeth twice a day.
Proper dental hygiene is essential for keeping your gum tissue healthy and reducing your risk of gum disease. Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, both morning and night, is the most effective way to keep your gums in good condition.
Doing so can help remove harmful bacteria that build up on your teeth over time, potentially leading to gum problems. For a superior clean, ensure you use circular strokes along your gum line and brush for two minutes each time.
Floss daily.
Flossing is essential to maintaining your gum health as it helps reduce plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease. To avoid or reduce this risk, flossing should be done daily. If done correctly, the procedure is simple and effective.
Firstly, begin with about 10-15 cm of non-100 % waxed dental floss wound around each middle finger. To maintain optimal oral hygiene, delicately thread the floss between your teeth with one finger from each hand. Be mindful not to harshly snap it onto your gums!
Glide it against each side of each tooth in a ‘C’ motion. Lastly, get some new floss at the back of every tooth and repeat until you have worked through all your teeth, then rinse what was previously used with water.
Flossing has many additional benefits, including reducing bad breath, stimulating gums, and helping restore healthy areas between the teeth and gums. So remember to floss daily for a better-quality smile!
Visit your dentist at least twice a year.
Regular dental visits are an essential part of maintaining optimal oral health. Visiting the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and check-ups is the best way to avoid developing gum disease.
During these visits, dentists remove tartar and plaque buildup, removing all hard-to-reach areas of your mouth that can increase your risk for gum disease. Proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and avoiding sugary snacks will help maintain good gum health.
Individuals may even consider getting dental implants if they have missing teeth as a preventive measure against gum disease. Taking care of your teeth and visiting the dentist at least twice a year for check-ups is essential for maintaining overall healthy teeth and gums.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash.
For optimal gum health, reducing the number of bacteria in your mouth is essential. To do this, an antiseptic mouthwash can be a great help. This type of mouthwash not only fights plaque but also helps reduce the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease by killing harmful bacteria.
With regular use, antiseptic mouthwashes can help promote healthy gums and support the ability to keep food particles from accumulating between teeth and around the gums. To properly use an antiseptic mouthwash, gargle for 30 seconds, then spit out the solution; do not swallow it!
You may also want to make sure you adjust as needed with how often you use it – once or twice daily work well. With these tips in mind and an appropriate product choice, you can improve your overall gum health!
Limit sugary snacks and drinks.
Limiting sugary snacks and drinks is essential to maintaining healthy gums, as a diet high in sugar can lead to inflammation and accelerate the spread of bacteria. Research has proven that too much sugar increases the risk of developing gum disease.
To appropriately limit sweet intake, it is best to replace sugary options with healthier alternatives such as fruits, granola bars, and nut butter. Additionally, processed foods such as chips should be avoided or eaten sparingly.
Limiting sugary snacks and drinks not only improves your overall health but also boosts your gum health by reducing the number of bacteria in your mouth. This reduces inflammation in the gums, preventing further damage to the soft tissue in the mouth.
Avoid tobacco products.
Avoiding tobacco products is one of the most effective ways to keep your gums healthy. Not only do they contain dangerous ingredients that harm your gums, but they can also alter their appearance and make it impossible for them to heal properly.
Smoking cigarettes or dipping snuff can create sore pockets between the gums and teeth that are difficult and expensive to fix. Smokeless forms of tobacco such as cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco also put you at an increased risk for gum disease because of their continued contact with the gums and saliva glands in your mouth.
To avoid gum disease, be sure to stay away from all forms of tobacco products; there are plenty of alternatives available like nicotine patches and gum that can give you the same relief without the harmful effects.
These are just a few tips to help you avoid gum disease. By following these simple steps, you can protect your gums and keep your teeth healthy for years to come.
