Studies have found that 8.52% of adults from ages 20 to 64 have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, better known as gum disease, stems from poor oral hygiene and can lead to tooth loss or, in some cases, certain heart and lung diseases. Fortunately, this is a very preventable issue. The Tree City Family Dental team has gathered six of the easiest ways to prevent gum disease. Check it out!
Floss
Flossing is not only an effective way to remove food from in between your teeth, but also the bacteria that comes with it. When harmful bacteria sits on your teeth for too long, it causes inflammation – a precursor to gum disease. If your gums bleed when you floss, that is an early sign that your gums are not happy and you may be at risk for gum problems. Flossing during your daily oral routine can reduce your chances of developing gum disease and improve your smile!
Regular Dentist Visits
Dentists have gone through years of specialized training to identify problems with your teeth and gums that you may not be aware of. It is for that reason that regular dentist visits are crucial for eliminating your risk of gum disease. With the numerous tools and different sets of eyes in the office, they will be able to identify right away if you have gum disease or are starting to develop symptoms. If you are looking to schedule a visit to the dentist, take a look at our list of qualified professionals who can give you a stellar dental experience!
Cut Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use are detrimental to your gum health as well as your overall health. If you smoke, you are twice as likely to develop gum disease and the typical gum disease treatments are likely not going to work as well for you. The reason for these issues is due to tobacco weakening your immune system so once you develop gum disease, your body has a much harder time fighting it off. Doctors and dentists always recommend stopping tobacco use in the treatment of gum disease.
Add Mouthwash To Your Routine
There are endless types of mouthwash on the market and all claim to have different benefits. So how do you know which one is best for preventing gum disease? A 2011 study found that Chlorhexidine and Listerine were the most effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis levels. Mouthwash is a very easy step to add to your oral routine. If you already use mouthwash every day, try switching to an antiseptic mouthwash!
Find The Right Toothbrush
Similar to mouthwash, there are so many styles that finding the right one for you may take some trial and error. Electric toothbrushes are very efficient at removing plaque but you have to be careful not to press too hard and damage your gums. The same thing goes for hard bristle brushes, they are more likely to cause damage if you are not gentle. There are some toothbrush designs that have 45 degree angled bristles to help clean down in your gumline and further remove plaque or other bacteria.
Know The Signs And Symptoms
Being able to identify the early signs and symptoms of gum disease is very important for treating it early. A few of the most common indicators include bleeding gums, gum recession, lingering bad breath, and pain while chewing. If you are suffering from any of these, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. Starting the treatment process as soon as possible will likely lead to a favorable outcome regarding the elimination of gum disease.
Daily brushing, flossing, and an antiseptic mouthwash are going to be your best options for preventing gum disease. If you believe you are showing signs of gum disease or have any further questions, contact Tree City Family Dental today!