Did you know that gum disease can lead to heart disease, tooth loss, and even diabetes? If you’re not aware of the dangers of gum disease, it’s time to get informed. Gum disease is the term used to describe a variety of inflammatory conditions that affect the gums and other supporting structures in your mouth. This article will explain how you can prevent it from occurring, and how it may ultimately impact your overall health if left untreated.
Continue reading to discover the top five tips on how to prevent gum disease.
1. Improve your oral hygiene
Gum disease is a result of plaque buildup in your mouth. Plaque is a sticky substance made up of bacteria and food particles. This sticky substance hardens over time, causing the gums to become inflamed. If you want to reduce the risk of developing gingivitis, your best weapon is good oral hygiene. People with good oral hygiene have fewer problems with gum disease because they don’t have so much plaque buildup. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day. If you aren’t able to brush for that long, try using an electric toothbrush. They have more features than manual toothbrushes and are more efficient at removing plaque and bacteria in less time. Other causes include genetic predisposition and trauma to the teeth, gums, or jaw bone. If you use tobacco, drink alcohol excessively, or take drugs then you are more likely to develop gum disease.
2. Strengthen your gums
Although gum disease may not be curable, it can be prevented. It is important to strengthen your gums by brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. This will help to remove the plaque buildup that leads to gum disease. Another key to preventing gum disease is reducing the risk of cavities. Be sure you’re brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, as fluoride helps to prevent cavities and tooth decay. You should also visit your dentist at least once every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Finally, if you are experiencing any bleeding or swollen gums in your mouth, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away.
3. Eat well
The first thing that you can do to prevent gum disease is to eat well. For most people, the majority of their daily intake of nutrients comes from the foods they consume. If you’re not eating a healthy diet and getting enough nutrients, there are going to be damaging effects on your health. Make sure you're eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Additionally, it's important to drink plenty of liquids each day, including water. The best time to drink water is during meals or snacks because it will help you feel full and not overeat.
4. Break your bad habits
If you want to prevent gum disease from occurring, it’s time to break bad habits like smoking and alcohol drinking. These unhealthy habits lead to poor oral hygiene and cause dry mouth and plaque buildup on the teeth, which leads to gum disease in the long run.
5. Rinse with a mouthwash
Antibacterial mouthwashes have been proven in clinical tests to reduce plaque buildup, and kill bacteria in hard-to-reach spots behind the gums and on other oral surfaces such as cheeks and tongue. As a result, mouthwash is beneficial in the prevention of gum disease. It is, however, ineffective in preventing gum disease on its own. Instead, it should be used in tandem with regular brushing and flossing. As there are so many types of mouthwashes, it's important to choose a suitable one!
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