Six Foolproof Ways to Avoid Gum Disease
Gum disease tends to be one of those things that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. In most instances, it doesn’t come with the type of pain that would serve as a warning that something is amiss, and it progresses slowly over time in a way that often leaves you completely unaware there’s a problem until it’s already at a severe stage of development. In many cases, patients are already suffering from gum deterioration and loss of bone density before a diagnosis is made. That makes prevention an important part of fighting the disease. Here are six foolproof ways to avoid serious gum disease.
- Brush properly. You should brush for at least two to three minutes, no fewer than two times each day. Use a toothpaste with fluoride, and a brush with soft bristles. And don’t neglect the gum line or tongue surface, to ensure that debris, plaque, and bacteria aren’t allowed to gain a foothold in your mouth!
- Get used to flossing. Flossing is one of those things that people love to skip, but it’s a vitally important part of your oral hygiene routine. It keeps plaque from accumulating in all those places that you simply can’t effectively reach with a toothbrush.
- Eat right. Stop eating snacks that are nothing but sugar and starch. They tend to increase the plaque in your mouth. Besides, you need nutrients to protect those teeth and gums, and most of those sugary foods are completely lacking in vitamin C and other essential goodies.
- Be alert to medicine side effects that could harm your teeth and gums. If you have a medical condition that requires medication, be alert to side effects. Many can cause dry mouth, which can reduce essential saliva needed to protect teeth and gums. Others can contribute directly to an increased risk for gum disease.
- Avoid high-risk behaviors. Obviously, you need to avoid things like smoking, chewing tobacco, and pipe smoke. They not only increase the risk of gum disease, but can affect other areas of health that can weaken your entire immune system and leave your oral health at risk. Just avoid tobacco altogether!
- Maintain a regular schedule of dental checkups and maintenance. Regular cleanings, tooth maintenance, and checkups can be essential for ensuring that you remain free of gum disease, tooth decay, and other common problems. When your dentist schedules an appointment, go! Even though an at-home oral hygiene regimen remains an important part of your dental health plan, there are some things you just cannot do on your own.
At Ebenezer Dental, we know how difficult and traumatic gum disease can be for patients who experience it. We also understand that prevention is the most important step you can take to ensure that you remain free of that worrisome condition. We’ll work with you to help you ensure that gum disease is kept at bay so that you can enjoy healthy and attractive teeth for life. To learn more about how the best dentist in Midtown Manhattan can help you with your oral health concerns, contact us today.