Gum Disease Prevention: 5 Ways to Boost Oral Health
An estimated half of all adults in the United States have gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. While it is very common and quite treatable, it has the potential to deteriorate bone and lead to tooth loss. Worse, there is research that shows it even has the potential to contribute to severe conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Luckily, your Houston dentist has plenty of knowledge to share that can help you protect your gums and teeth. If you want to prevent gum disease, these dental tips help you protect your smile and reduce your risk of periodontal disease.
Floss Daily
One of the most important methods to prevent gum disease is to establish an oral care routine and stay consistent. In addition brushing before bed and after meals, you should floss at least once each day. Still, surveys show that only 13.5% of adults floss daily.
When you floss, it helps remove food particles and plaque between your teeth and across the gum line. These are places your toothbrush simply cannot reach. Unfortunately, the plaque and bacteria there build up over time and infect your gums and teeth.
As your Houston dentist, we want you to know that brushing is not enough on its own. Flossing helps to reduce gum bleeding, which is an early sign of periodontal disease. Oftentimes, it even produces fast results for patients.
Schedule Your Annual Cleaning
When you visit your Houston dentist for an annual, professional dental cleaning, we remove the hard tartar and plaque buildup in your mouth that can lead to periodontal disease. When you maintain these routine cleanings, they also help to reverse the early signs of gingivitis.
Whenever you have signs of gum disease, contact our dental office. For some patients, we find that dental cleanings twice a year are more effective and help to get their oral health back on track.
Mouthwash Helps Combat Gum Disease
In addition to freshening your breath, a good mouthwash acts as an antiseptic. When you use it twice daily, you help stop both gum disease and gingivitis. Look for either antimicrobial or antiseptic mouthwashes because they kill around 99% of the bacteria in the mouth for around 12 hours. They can also reduce the level of plaque on your teeth. In turn, this helps you prevent bacteria from infecting your teeth and gums.
Understand the Symptoms and Risks
When you know the signs and symptoms, it helps you understand your condition. Moreover, there are certain factors that increase your risk, such as poor diet, age, genetics, and smoking. All of these increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. Additionally, if you have an autoimmune disorder or have decreased immunity due to a treatment such as chemotherapy, it’s important to understand the elevated risk.
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease, and it is reversible. When you recognize and treat the early signs of gingivitis, you can actively halt the progression of gum disease. This helps you protect your teeth, jaw, and gums.
Early Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Bad breath
- Gum bleeding
- Heavy tartar buildup
- Sensitive teeth
- Swollen, red gums
Visit Your Houston Dentist
While good oral hygiene and routine care are important, be sure to maintain a good schedule of check-ups with your Houston dentist. With a comprehensive evaluation, we check the health of your gums and teeth. As needed, we develop a treatment plan to address any issues that we find.
It’s important to remember that gum disease is reversible when caught early. However, the best way to maintain your oral health is active prevention. With the dental tips above and regular appointments with your Houston dentist, you can preserve your beautiful smile for years to come.
