According to the CDC, almost 50% of adults aged 30 or older exhibit signs of gum disease, while 9% of adults suffer from severe gum disease. Knowing how to prevent gum disease is essential because healthy gums are an important part of good oral health. Let’s look at the three top ways of preventing gum disease.
Get Routine Dental Cleanings
It’s important to see your dentist at least twice a year for routine cleanings. Routine cleanings help prevent gum disease, plus your dentist can spot the signs of gum disease and remedy the situation before it gets worse. A professional dental cleaning involves removing tartar and getting rid of accumulated plaque. For your regular dental appointments, it’s best to stick with local dentists, so that you don’t have to go out of your way to set up and attend appointments. Seeing a familiar face will help you establish a long-term and comfortable relationship that encourages you to stick to your dental appointments.
Floss and Brush Regularly
Flossing at least once a day and brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the best thing you can do to prevent gum disease in between your visits to local dentists. Flossing is important because it helps remove the plaque and food that gets stuck to your teeth. Even if you brush your teeth, your toothbrush isn’t always able to reach every nook and cranny, so flossing is necessary. To prevent plaque and tartar from accumulating, you should brush your teeth, preferably after every meal. Don’t forget to also brush your tongue. If you already haven’t got one, consider buying an electric toothbrush with soft bristles. Replace the toothbrush heads frequently to make sure your toothbrush remains in good condition.
Use Toothpaste With Fluoride
The right toothpaste can help reduce plaque, which reduces the risk of gum disease. A toothpaste that contains fluoride can help you with this. Fortunately, this type of toothpaste is widely available, and you can purchase it online. Similarly, you can purchase therapeutic mouthwash. Quick rinses with therapeutic mouthwash in-between flossing and brushing can help improve matters.
In conclusion, when gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to complications such as periodontitis, which can lead to loose teeth, bad breath, and bleeding gums. You can take steps to prevent gum disease, and as one of the top local dentists, we are here to help you, so contact us today.
