Poor oral health habits can lead to a whole slew of dental issues, including gum disease. With this condition, you can experience bleeding gums, swollen gums, sensitive teeth, mouth tenderness, infection, bad breath, tooth loss, and bone loss! Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prevent gum disease; read this blog post for a few tips.
1. Brush Right
Superb oral hygiene starts with brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The health of your gums, as well as your teeth, hinges on whether you’re brushing correctly. That means brushing for the full two minutes and using gentle pressure to clean each and every surface. If you’re having difficulty with a manual toothbrush, consider investing in an electric toothbrush.
2. Use Fluoride
When choosing a toothpaste, opt for one with fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens your teeth and helps to fight gingivitis. Additionally, drink fluoridated tap water whenever possible.
3. Floss
Flossing gets under and between the gums, eradicating a lot of the food particles and cavity-causing bacteria that hide there. If you haven’t made flossing a daily habit, it’s time to change that. If you haven’t flossed in a while, your gums may bleed a little when you first start. Don’t worry–keep at it for a week and the bleeding will most likely go away. If not, schedule a dental checkup ASAP.
4. Don’t Smoke
Smoking can do a lot of bad things to your body, including your oral health. Tobacco use increases your risk of gum infection and oral cancer. We recommend quitting ASAP to protect both your oral health and your overall health.
5. Visit the Dentist
Regular visits to the dentist, that is at least twice a year for your cleaning and exam, are imperative for healthy gums and strong teeth. During each visit, your dentist and hygienist will assess the health of your gums. If they identify any signs of gum disease, they can help get your oral health back on track.
If you haven’t already, we invite you to schedule your next routine visit with your dentist. Now is the time to achieve and maintain excellent gum health! And if you have healthy gums and are ready to start your journey to a straighter smile, contact us today.
