Preventing gum disease requires a commitment to an oral hygiene routine. Gum disease forms when the bacteria in plaque builds up between your teeth and your gums. The bacteria will cause inflammation, and the inflammation will cause bone structure to deteriorate and potential tooth loss. There are five tips to help you prevent gum disease, and have a healthy oral hygiene.
1. Brush Your Teeth
This may seem simple, but some people often neglect brushing their teeth twice a day. Brushing helps to remove food debris and plaque trapped in your mouth, so if possible, you should try to brush after your meals. We all are guilty of the occasional late night snack, but just remember that if you don’t brush your teeth afterwards, you’re leaving food debris trapped between your teeth. You tongue also plays host to various types of bacteria, so when you’re brushing your teeth, just remember to give your tongue a little scrub as well.
2. Floss
Your toothbrush is a major tool in preventing gum disease, but your brush just can’t reach every spot where food is trapped. Flossing will help remove food particles and plaque that has formed between your teeth and around your gum line. If you aren’t a big fan of flossing, there are floss holders and other devices that can help to make flossing a part of your daily routine.
3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
You are what you eat, and that saying holds true for your teeth as well. If you’re a fan of starchy and foods high in sugar, you are at risk for increased plaque. With the right nutrients and vitamins in your diet, you can help your body prevent gum disease. As far as smoking, you are not only at risk for gum disease, but you are at risk for oral cancer as well.
4. Use Mouth Rinse
While flossing and brushing your teeth are two of the best ways to prevent gum disease, using mouth rinse is an additional tool that can help you. A mouth rinse can reduce plaque up to 20 percent, and sometimes a mouthwash can even remove particles that flossing and brushing missed out on.
5. Schedule Regular Checkups
Your body is just like any machine, and without preventative maintenance, you may not realize you have a problem until it’s too late. A dentist can let you know the ins and outs of what is going on in your mouth, and can provide tips on how to improve your oral health.
Call Olney Dental at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online for an appointment. And don’t forget to visit Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube to connect with us on social media.