A Quick Guide About How to Avoid Gum Disease

Gum disease can be one of the most severe mouth problems. Left untreated, it can lead to deteriorating bone structure and even loss of teeth. For this reason, preventing this condition is paramount. 

We will explore a few tips about avoiding gum disease:

Brush your teeth regularly

Gum disease usually progresses slowly and painlessly. As a result, people may not notice this dental problem immediately. Once it becomes apparent, it’s already in the advanced stages.

To avoid this scenario, you should brush and floss two times a day for two minutes. Use fluoride toothpaste and floss to get rid of plaque. Both practices will keep plaque from accumulating to minimize the chances of periodontal disease.

Take care of any dental appliances

Dental appliances can help people repair or restore the natural function or aesthetics of their teeth. These include braces, implants, bridges, crowns, and dentures. Although they often consist of sturdy materials (e.g., metal and ceramics), they require regular maintenance.

Cleaning one’s dental tools makes them last longer. For instance, dentures have a longer lifespan if they’re cleaned correctly with a denture cleanser. Properly maintained, they also help fend off gum disease-causing plaque.

Quit smoking

Smoking cigarettes is one of the most common causes of gum disease. Therefore, you should avoid it altogether. It compromises the immune system, impeding the body in its fight against infections. Consequently, the gums won’t be able to heal.

Consume nutrient-rich food

A healthy and balanced diet helps prevent gum disease. It consists of fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and lean protein. Unlike sugary and starchy foods, these don’t promote plaque buildup and gum disease.

Treat dry mouth

A dry mouth can indicate a wide range of health issues. It also raises the risk of various gum diseases, such as tooth decay and gingivitis. Plus, it can be highly uncomfortable for patients with dentures and inflict a lot of pain.

To prevent further complications, visit an experienced dentist as soon as you notice the symptoms of dry mouth. The list includes frequent thirst, bad breath, dry tongue, and a sticky feeling.

Use high-quality mouthwash

Antibacterial mouthwash keeps bacteria at bay. By lowering the germ count, it helps people avoid gum disease.

Dental checkup and maintenance

Even though adequate oral care starts at home, people should schedule regular visits to their dentists. They can provide professional cleaning services and detect gum disease before it turns into a severe problem.

Schedule a dental visit for your checkup

Dentists use advanced equipment for eliminating bacteria and tartar that cause gum disease. Allowing them to examine and maintain your teeth lets them monitor their condition and nip any problems in the bud. If necessary, they can also set up a tailor-made oral program that you can implement at home.

If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call Jennifer Fineberg’s office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!