Preventing Gum Disease At Home
Gum disease is one of the most common oral health concerns that our patients experience. It is also tied to an increased risk of diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and other health concerns. However, gum disease can be easily prevented by following several
routines.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a film of oral bacteria and the food particles that feed them. As plaque collects on the teeth near the gum line, it irritates the soft tissue. This interaction is how gingivitis, the initial form of gum disease, begins.
However, plaque buildup is disrupted by an effective oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss twice a day at minimum. This routine slows and disrupts plaque buildup, stopping gum disease before it starts. You can also incorporate a nonalcoholic mouthwash
into your routine to help rinse areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush.
Change Your Diet
The oral bacteria in plaque lives on food particles left over after a meal. However, they love sugar in particular; consuming sweets encourages the bacteria to grow more rapidly than they otherwise would with other foods.
If you are worried about developing gingivitis or periodontitis, a dietary change could help. Cut your sugar intake down by a significant margin. Ideally, you should only be ingesting the natural sugars in fruits and vegetables, although most patients
can enjoy the occasional dessert and still be okay. The growth of plaque will slow down because of this new habit.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Good oral hygiene and dietary changes lead to a reduced risk of gum disease. However, they are not enough to prevent it entirely. If there are any parts of the smile that cannot be reached easily, plaque can still build up and irritate the soft tissue.
This reality, in addition to many other reasons, is why you need to see your dentist at least twice a year. The professional grade cleaning you receive from your dentist makes sure all plaque is removed from your teeth and gums, stopping gum disease in
its tracks.
Contact Us Today
If you are looking for gum disease treatments in Plainfield, our practice can help you stay healthy. Millennium Dental Arts provides the treatments that prevent developing gum disease and treat existing gingivitis and periodontitis. Call us to schedule an appointment today!