Gum disease is one of the most common dental health issues in America, affecting approximately half of America’s adult population. It presents itself for a variety of reasons, but almost all of these reasons have to do with diet and dental hygiene (or lack thereof).
Are you afraid of taking on gum disease over time? Wondering how to prevent periodontal disease in the future? Then read on.
Here is the brief and only gum disease prevention guide you’ll ever need.
Brush Your Teeth
The most important part of preventing gum disease is to brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth eliminates plaque. Eliminating plaque rids the mouth of bacteria. The fewer bad bacteria you have in your mouth, the lower your risk of incurring gum disease.
You should be brushing at least twice a day: once in the morning and once before you go to bed at night. Ideally, you’ll also brush directly after eating, as doing so will prevent food particles from sticking to your teeth and trapping bacteria.
Floss Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is the biggest part of the equation, but it’s not the only part. You’re also advised to floss your teeth on a regular basis. Flossing removes plaque between the teeth, thus doing away with even more bacteria.
You should floss a minimum of once a day, ideally right before you go to bed. This way, you’ll rid your teeth of plaque and food particles before they have the chance to sit dormant all night.
Avoid Trouble Foods
There are a number of foods that cause trouble with the gums. The more you eat them, the more your gums will suffer. As such, you’re advised to avoid them when possible and moderate their consumption all other times.
What kinds of foods are problematic? Acidic foods are the worst. These run the gamut from soda to juice to tomatoes and the like.
Sugary foods can be bad for your gums as well. So, candy, ice cream, and other high-sugar foods should be kept to a minimum.
Wondering whether your dietary habits have led to gum disease? Take this personalized dental care test to find out!
See Your Dentist Regularly
The last aspect of gum disease prevention is to see your dentist regularly. This has two benefits: It ensures that you’re getting thorough cleanings, and it allows you to catch minor gum disease before it turns into major gum disease.
It’s best practice to see your dentist for a checkup twice a year, six months apart. If you haven’t been to the dentist in over 6 months, get there as soon as possible.
Gum Disease Prevention Is Easy
In truth, gum disease prevention is easy. All you have to do is brush and floss regularly and do your best to moderate certain foods. As long as you do that on a consistent basis, you should maintain the healthy gums you’re hoping for.
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