Tips for Gum Disease Prevention

As a dentist, gum disease prevention is something we think about on a regular basis. According to the Center for Disease Control and the American Academy of Periodontology, once an adult turns 30, they have a 50 percent chance of having a periodontal disease at any given time. Periodontal disease can range from mild to severe, and around 64.7 million Americans have this condition. Once adults reach the retirement age of 65, the prevalence of periodontal disease rises to 70 percent. These are alarming statistics and ones that every adult needs to take seriously.

Risks of Gum Disease

If you have gum disease, your gums may begin to bleed, swell, hurt, and recede. Once the gums do so, they will be at risk for tooth loss. In fact, many people who suffer from adult tooth loss have also been living with gum disease. Thus, it is absolutely critical that you do whatever you can to prevent it.

Gum Disease Prevention

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take on a daily basis to work to prevent gum disease, including:

#1 — Floss at least once per day

Flossing is absolutely critical to the health of your gums. This is the only way for you to reach the space in between your teeth and in between your teeth and gums. Many people make the mistake of not flossing at all, or if they do floss, they stop at the gum line. This is not what you want to do since it will leave additional plaque trapped in between your teeth and gums. You need to go all the way down and you need to do so methodically and carefully to ensure that you are getting all the plaque. We recommend that you carry flossing tools with you so you can floss after meals or at a minimum, once per day.

#2 — Use a new toothbrush

Everyone knows that it is important to brush a minimum of twice per day for at least two minutes each time. However, few people realize the importance of buying a new toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush at least once every three months or when the bristles begin to fray, smell, or look stained. Otherwise, you could simply be placing bacteria in your mouth every time you go to brush. Also, when you do brush, be sure to brush in a circular pattern, moving plaque away from your gums and toward the center of your mouth.

#3 — Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash

A simple addition to your gum disease prevention routine is to rinse with an antiseptic rinse.  We recommend that you do so at least once a day or sometimes twice. This can serve the purpose of removing the bacteria that is left over after you have brushed and flossed. Be sure to rinse long enough, and if you feel a slight burning or stinging sensation, that is a good sign.

#4 — Visit the dentist

One of the most important steps you can take in gum disease prevention is to visit our dental office to have your teeth cleaned twice per year. By removing plaque and tartar, we can prevent your gums from becoming irritated.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about how to keep your gums healthy, call and schedule an appointment today.