5 Ways To Help Prevent Gum Disease

Oral hygiene is extremely important. Not only will your smile look good and feel good, there are painful and totally preventable diseases that can occur with lack of oral hygiene. One of these is gum disease or periodontitis. We have gathered some tips to help you prevent periodontitis from happening and make sure your oral hygiene is up to par.

What Is Gum Disease

Gum disease is when the gums become inflamed and is the number one reason why adults lose their teeth. Once you have gum disease, the gums turn from a pale pink color to a bluish red. They will also be tender and bleed easily when brushing your teeth. 

It is caused by bacteria that can live in your mouth and specifically tarter above or below the gum line. Without treatment, gum disease can destroy the soft tissue of your gums and even the bone that supports your teeth. Pus pockets form in the deep pockets of the gum which makes teeth more sensitive to pressure, loosen and then fall out. 

Individuals with diabetes, those taking medications that cause dry mouth or gum changes could be more prone to gum disease and gingivitis.

Floss Daily

One of the easiest ways to prevent gum disease is to floss daily. It is recommended by all dentists that you floss between each tooth or other dental work. Your toothbrush is not able to reach every part of your tooth which is why floss can help clean out debris and plaque from those hard to reach places. Removing particles with floss prevents them from irritating and infecting your gums.

Should I Be Brushing My Tongue Daily?

Not only is brushing your teeth daily important, making sure to brush your tongue can help the strength of your teeth. Plaque can also build up on your tongue and also lead to bad breath. Gently brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth can keep your mouth feeling fresh and prevent gum disease. 

Reduce Smoking

Regular smoking habits inhibit your health in many ways, but especially your mouth. Smoking decreases circulation that helps your gums stay healthy. Smoking can also give you bad breath, cause tooth discoloration and tooth decay and bone loss inside your jaw. If you can’t stop smoking entirely, try starting to reduce your smoking habit and your gums will thank you. 

Eat A Healthy Diet

A balanced diet can help keep your gums healthy. Avoiding overly sugary foods and drinks can help with gum disease as well as avoid tooth decay. Eating food with lots of vitamins and minerals is an easy way to help your whole body be healthier, specifically foods in collagen, beta carotene and omega-3s.

Take Vitamin C & D

Vitamin C won’t cure gum disease or gingivitis but a deficiency is one of the leading causes of gum disease. Vitamin C can help with bleeding gums and can help your body fight off infections. Vitamin D is also a good option because of its anti-inflammatory benefits. Eating foods with these vitamins with help you improve your diet and keep up the health of your teeth.

Visit Us Regularly

Getting your teeth and gums checked regularly is another way to for sure prevent gum disease. We can check for signs and properly clean your teeth of plaques and tartar. Visiting the dentist can help spot gum disease early and your dentist can provide you with information about how to treat it before it becomes irreversible. If you notice any symptoms of gum disease, make an appointment to see your dentist right away. 

Taking care of your gums and teeth is our first priority at Gunnell Family Dentistry. You can visit us at our Logan, UT or Hyrum, UT locations for service.