How to Prevent Gum Disease
Preventing gum disease begins at home with good oral hygiene and a balanced, healthy diet. It is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health. Gum (periodontal) disease) is usually painless and slow to progress. It can easily reach an advanced stage before you notice any symptoms or problems. This can result in gum deterioration and bone structure, and eventually, tooth loss.
A preventive program is a cooperative team effort by you, your dentist, as well as the dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. To remove plaque, daily brushing and flossing are recommended, as well as scheduling regular dental appointments for professional cleaning are the best ways to minimize your risk of gum disease.
Prevention starts at home
While regular dental exams are necessary to remove tartar and detect early signs of gum disease, oral health begins by regularly and properly caring for your teeth and gums at home. Here are a few preventative measures you can take to prevent gum disease and keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime:
Brush for two to three minutes at least twice a day. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush is can't reach.
Swish with mouthwash. Using a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and can remove remaining food particles you may have missed while brushing and flossing.
Keep a balanced and healthy diet. A healthy diet provides the necessary nutrients (particularly vitamins A and C) to prevent gum disease. Avoid starchy and sugary foods, as they increase plaque build-up.
Avoid smoking. Smokers are about four times more likely than people who have never smoked to develop periodontitis. Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco contribute to gum disease and oral cancer.
Know your risk. Age, smoking, diet and genetics can all increase your risk for gum disease. If you are at increased risk, be sure to talk with your dentist.
Your dental visit
Visit your dentist regularly to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Although taking preventative measures at home will keep plaque in check, only your dentist and dental hygienist have the tools to remove tartar (otherwise known as calculus) that may have built up on your teeth. Regular checkups can also help your dentist assess and monitor your oral health. Dental visits help to identify and prevent complications before they require more expensive or comprehensive treatment.
Andrew Kim, DDS provides advanced dental treatment to the Escondido communities and the Northern San Diego area. We make your comfort and oral health our top priority. Book your appointment today!