7 Effective Tips to Prevent Gum Disease

May 26, 2020, Dentistry

Although, gum health is equally as important as teeth health. Gingivitis and periodontitis are serious diseases that have many consequences including teeth loss. In order to prevent gum infections, you need to know gum disease preventative measures.

Here are some important tips to prevent gum disease. Include them in your daily routine to ensure good gum health.

1. Good oral hygiene

This may seem obvious but good oral hygiene is important for both gums and teeth health. Brushing teeth twice a day is not enough. To prevent gum disease it is also important to use an antibacterial mouthwash and dental floss. Antibacterial mouthwash will help get rid of plaque and bacterias that damage your gums. Flossing eliminates food debris in areas that are hard-to-reach for a toothbrush.

It is also recommended to avoid using toothpicks. Toothpicks can damage both teeth and gums. You may carry in your bag a tooth floss to use it instead of a toothpick when you need it.

2. Vitamin C intake

Vitamin C is very important for gum health. Vitamin C deficiency is linked to an increased risk of gum disease. Add vitamin C rich foods to your diet or ask your family dentist about dietary supplements. Vitamin C will help you both reduce and relieve symptoms of gum disease. Vitamin C boosts the healing properties of your body. It helps relieve gum bleeding, swelling, and prevent tooth loss.

3. Stop smoking

Smoking is bad for oral health. People who use tobacco products have a higher risk of gingivitis and periodontitis. Smoking reduces your body’s ability to fight and heal gum infections. Gum disease treatment is less effective for smokers compared to non-smokers. The longer and the more cigarettes you smoke the higher your risk of gingivitis or periodontitis.

Nicotine also reduces saliva flow, which may cause dry mouth. Salva plays an important role in oral health. It washes away plaque, bacterias, and food debris from the mouth. Lack of saliva is linked to many dental problems including gum disease and tooth decay.

4. Healthy diet

A healthy diet can really help prevent gum diseases. You need to avoid sugary foods and drinks. These products increase harmful bacterias in your mouth. These bacterias produce acids and increase the acidity of your saliva. High acidity in the mouth affects both your teeth and gums. It increases your risk of tooth decay, periodontitis, gingivitis, and enamel erosion.

A balanced and healthy diet filled with minerals and vitamins can improve your resistance to many diseases, including gum disease.

5. Get professional cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning in a dental office can promote good oral health. Your toothbrush is not able to eliminate all plaque that accumulates on your teeth. The dentist can help you get rid of plaque in hard accessible places. Only professional cleaning can eliminate tartar (plaque that hardens) that forms on the teeth.

6. Stay hydrated

Hydration is necessary for the prevention of gingivitis and periodontal disease. Drinking more water promotes saliva production. This helps fight off bacterias that cause gum infection. Water also washes away food particles that remain in your mouth after a meal. As a result, bacterias have less food and their number in your mouth reduces.

Proper hydration helps maintain both oral and overall health. Drinking plenty of water will help you keep your gums healthy.

7. Visit your dentist regularly

It is important to visit your dentist regularly to prevent gum disease. The first symptoms of gum infections are often easy to miss. Your dentist may indicate gum problems in the early stage and start treatment. This significantly raises your chances of successful and fast recovery.
 

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