There are several important steps that you can take in order to prevent gum disease. Adding these steps to your regular routine can go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of gum disease developing. It can also help to reverse gum disease when it is present in the smile. Here are some of the most important steps to help prevent gum disease and protect your oral health.
Steps to Prevent Gum Disease
It is extremely important to take all of the steps in order to prevent gum disease. This will go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of substantial issues arising with the oral health. If you don’t prevent gum disease, you may experience detrimental consequences, including the complete loss of some of your teeth. Here are a few of the best steps that you can take to prevent gum disease.
Obtain Regular Dental Cleanings
The biggest cause of gum disease tends to be the accumulation of plaque on the surface of the teeth. When plaque isn’t removed on a daily basis, generally within 24 to 72 hours, it can lead to hardening of the plaque. When plaque hardens, it essentially becomes a different substance known as tartar. Plaque is generally easy to remove. Tartar, on the other hand, is not. Tartar can only be removed with special dental techniques known as scaling. Once tartar has been allowed to develop, it is extremely important to have it removed. A dental cleaning is the best way to keep your teeth clean and have tartar removed from your teeth. A dentist that regularly cleans your teeth will also be able to detect potential issues in the early stages, when they are easier to reverse.
Quit the Use of Tobacco Products
If you are an avid smoker or tobacco chewer, it is likely that you are causing excessive amounts of damage to your teeth. The use of these products results in higher amounts of plaque that buildup on the surface of the teeth. They also substantially increase the likelihood of oral cancer developing within the mouth. When you quit the use of tobacco products, you will provide significant benefits to your oral health.
Use an Effective Oral Hygiene Routine
It is incredibly important to remove plaque from the surface of your teeth in a timely manner. Without this step, it is likely that the plaque will harden into tartar and cause substantial damage to your teeth between dental cleanings. You need to brush your teeth twice daily. Ideally, first thing in the morning and last thing at night. It is generally required to brush your teeth for at least two minutes at a time. Brushing less than this amount of time tends to result in inadequate removal of plaque. Flossing effectively is another incredibly important component in removing plaque from your teeth. Your toothbrush simply can’t reach many of the surfaces of your teeth, so it is critical to floss between the teeth and underneath the gum line.
Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste
The appropriate toothbrush and toothpaste will help to protect the health of your teeth. For example, using a toothpaste that contains fluoride will help to strengthen the health of the teeth. Anti-gingivitis toothpaste can help to reduce the accumulation of plaque on the teeth, as well. It is similarly important to use the right kind of toothbrush when you brush your teeth. A soft-bristled toothbrush is important because a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause damage to the gums. Additionally, electronic toothbrushes tend to be more effective at thoroughly removing plaque from the teeth.
Add Mouthwash
Implementing mouthwash to your regular oral hygiene routine can provide many benefits. For example, mouthwash can often be used in order to provide specific benefits, such as “anti-gingivitis” or “anti-plaque” properties. In addition to these benefits, the use of mouthwash can also help to remove food particles from the teeth, which further helps in reducing the likelihood of gum disease.
The Signs and Stages of Gum Disease
It is critical to familiarize yourself with the signs of gum disease. This will help you to take the appropriate actions before the gum disease is allowed to escalate to severe proportions. Common signs of gum disease include changes in the appearance of the gums, such as gums that are more red than pink, swelling, and receding of the gums. Other signs of gum disease include the development of pus pockets, bad breath, and loosened teeth. One of the biggest indications of gum disease is when gums begin to bleed.
Gum disease begins in a more mild form that is known as gingivitis. When gingivitis isn’t treated, it generally progresses to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Gingivitis tends to be easier to reverse than periodontitis, but you should still consult with a dentist when you notice the signs of gum disease.
The Importance of Preventing Gum Disease
It is critical to take the necessary steps in order to prevent the escalation of gum disease in your mouth. When the appropriate treatment isn’t obtained, gum disease will simply progress. When it progresses, it can cause an array of issues with the oral health. One of the biggest issues that gum disease causes is teeth becoming lost, along with jawbone deterioration. Receiving effective treatment can help to prevent gum disease from wreaking havoc on your smile.
When it comes to the health of your teeth, it is incredibly important to take the steps to prevent gum disease from occurring. A proactive approach will go a long way toward preventing substantial issues. It is critical to regularly visit your dentist in order to prevent substantial oral health problems from escalating over time. Ensure that you practice an efficient oral hygiene routine to thoroughly remove all plaque particles from the surface of the teeth. To learn more about the many ways in which you can prevent gum disease and enhance your oral health, contact our experts at Mills River Family Dental today!