5 Tips to Prevent Gum Disease

Wondering what kind of damage gum disease can do to the overall health of your mouth? According to the American Academy of Periodontology, if left untreated, gum disease can cause the gums and supporting bone structure to deteriorate. This deterioration can eventually lead to serious gum recession and the eventual loss of one or more of your teeth.

How gum disease can affect your health

Want to understand how gum disease affects your overall health? Gum disease leads to a decline in your oral health due to the buildup of bacteria that eventually destroys the underlying bone and gum tissue. Gum disease can also negatively affect your body health. According to Healthline, gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease because inflammation in the gums and bacteria may eventually lead to the narrowing of important arteries.

Tips to prevent gum disease

The following is a list of five great tips that can help anyone prevent being diagnosed with gum disease.

1. Brush the teeth at least twice a day

Brushing the teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste helps prevent a gum disease diagnosis. The teeth should be brushed for at least two minutes, a small amount of time to give for good oral health. The tongue should be gently scraped or brushed for just a few seconds in order to remove any lingering bacteria.

2. Floss the teeth at least once a day

Flossing the teeth at least once a day helps remove any plaque buildup in between the teeth. Flossing also removes any hidden food particles that can cause gum problems. For dental patients who find it difficult to floss and therefore avoid the process, they can try using a floss holder, which makes it easier to floss the teeth.

3. Use a quality anti-bacterial mouthwash

Swishing the mouth with an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps keep bacteria under control. Too much bacteria buildup only leads to problems within the mouth and should, therefore, be a point of focus.

4. Consume foods that are high in nutrition

A healthy diet helps prevent gum disease. A diet that includes many starchy and/or sugary foods only supports a buildup of plaque on the teeth. Once plaque is on the teeth, it can only be removed by an experienced dentist. A healthy diet also supports a healthy body, and a healthy body is one that does everything it can to prevent the body from being negatively affected, which includes gum disease.

5. Avoid smoking

Smoking cigarettes is known to contribute to gum disease and therefore should be completely avoided. Smoking weakens the body’s immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Because smoking weakens the body, when gum disease is present, it makes it harder for the gums to heal.

Think you have gum disease?

If you think you might have gum disease, your next step is making an appointment so you can know for sure. If you are indeed diagnosed with gum disease, you will need to closely follow your dental professional's instructions in order to restore your gums. If you do not have gum disease, that is great news! Now all you need to do is use the above prevention tips so you will never have to experience gum disease.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.

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