If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about dental hygiene until there’s a problem. And by then, it may be too late. Gum disease is an oral infection that can lead to tooth loss, bad breath, and other serious health problems. It’s caused by plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that collects along with the teeth and gums. The more you brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash to prevent gum disease.
This blog post will share ten tips for maintaining good dental hygiene and preventing gum disease. But first, let’s take a closer look at what gum disease is and how it develops.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a dental condition that refers to the inflammation of the gums. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque on teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional.
Now let’s discuss the ten tips to help prevent gum disease!
Ten Tips to Prevent Gum Disease
1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
The most important way to prevent gum disease is to brush your teeth twice daily. Brushing your teeth removes plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth and gums. If left unchecked, plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. So make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day!
2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste is essential for preventing dental cavities and gum disease. It helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth, making them less likely to decay. Fluoride can also help to reduce plaque build-up, which can lead to gum disease. Use fluoride toothpaste twice a day to protect your teeth and gums!
3. Floss Daily
Flossing is another essential part of dental hygiene. It helps to remove plaque and bacteria from in between your teeth and gums. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar, leading to gum disease. Make sure to floss at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy!
4. Limit Your Intake of Sugary Foods and Drinks
Sugar is one of the main culprits of dental cavities and gum disease. It helps to promote the growth of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. So if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s important to limit your sugary foods and drinks intake.
5. Get the Required Dental Procedures
There are specific dental procedures that can help to prevent gum disease. These include professional teeth cleanings, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments. Dental implants are also an option for people who have lost teeth due to gum disease. If you’re at risk for gum disease, make sure to talk to your dental professional about the best preventive measures for you.
6. Stop Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease. It helps to promote the growth of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to dental cavities and gum disease. If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s important to stop smoking.
7. Use Mouthwash Regularly
Mouthwash can help to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. It’s good to use mouthwash regularly, especially if you’re at risk for gum disease. Make sure to talk to your dental professional about the best type of mouthwash for you.
8. Wear a Mouth Guard
If you’re at risk for gum disease, wearing a mouthguard is a good idea. Mouthguards help to protect your teeth and gums from the damage caused by plaque and tartar. They also help to reduce the inflammation of the gums. If you’re interested in wearing a mouthguard, make sure to talk to your dental professional.
9. Avoid Chewing on Hard Objects
Chewing on hard objects can damage your teeth and gums. It’s a good idea to avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice, hard candy, or gum. If you must chew on something hard, make sure to use tooth-friendly chew toys, such as rubber balls.
10. Visit Your Dental Professional Regularly
Last but not least, it’s important to visit your dental professional regularly. They can help to detect and treat gum disease in its early stages. They can also provide you with tips on how to prevent gum disease. So make sure to see your dental professional every six months for a routine cleaning and check-up.
Gum disease is a severe condition that can lead to bad breath or even tooth loss. The following ten tips will help you maintain good dental hygiene to prevent this oral infection from occurring in the first place. Remember: if it’s caught early enough, there are treatments available for people with moderate or advanced stages of gum disease. If you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to see a dentist or gum specialist as soon as possible.
