- Visit a qualified dentist twice yearly for regular cleanings and check-ups to identify any signs of gum disease.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing daily, using fluoride toothpaste, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated and maintain saliva production.
- Eat a balanced diet full of nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and proteins, as well as high-fiber foods, and limit sugary snacks.
Gum disease is a severe condition that can cause inflammation, pain, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Fortunately, you can take steps to protect yourself from gum disease and keep your mouth healthy. With proper care and preventive measures in place, you can reduce your risk of developing gum disease significantly.
Visit the dentist regularly.
The importance of regularly visiting the dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups cannot be overstated. This is essential to maintain good oral health and can save you from gum diseases that can lead to grave consequences if left untreated, such as tooth loss.
To do this properly, it is advisable to follow standard protocol and visit a qualified dentist twice yearly. Not only will they deeply clean your teeth, but they will also examine them to check for any signs of gum disease and provide treatment if required.
Besides regular cleaning and check-ups, another important measure is getting dental implants if necessary. Implants help replace missing teeth, restore the jawbone’s structure, and improve oral health.
Be mindful of your oral hygiene.
Here are some tips on how you can be more mindful of your oral hygiene:
Brush and floss daily
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice daily and flossing once daily are essential in preventing gum disease. You should follow the guidelines established by your dentist, which will likely be to brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice daily.
Start by positioning your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gums and use small circular motions to work up a foamy lather. To effectively remove plaque on the inside surfaces of your teeth that you cannot reach with the brush, it is essential to use dental floss or interdental brushes between your teeth each day.
Remember to brush gently around the gum line, but avoid brushing too hard, as aggressive scrubbing can lead to receding gums. Lastly, rinse your mouth with water after brushing and flossing to protect against gum disease.
Drink plenty of water.
Drinking plenty of water for optimum oral health is essential, and try to consume at least eight glasses of water a day. This amount should be enough for an average adult to stay hydrated and allow the body’s natural processes to function efficiently.
Maintaining sufficient hydration helps keep the saliva flowing and prevents bacteria from thriving in the mouth. Water is also a better alternative than sugary drinks or soda, which promotes cavities and can reduce the mineral content in the enamel, making it susceptible to gum disease.
Additionally, use cold or lukewarm water when drinking as extremely hot or cold liquids can cause damage to teeth enamel over time. Finally, brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride after drunk any beverage, even if it’s just plain water, so your teeth are protected from plaque buildup.
Eat a balanced diet and avoid sugary snacks.
A balanced diet goes a long way to ensure your oral health is the best and avoid gum disease. Choose nutrient-rich fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and foods high in fiber. Limit highly processed snacks full of bad fats, sugars, and simple carbohydrates; instead opt for grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy snacks.
When you indulge in a sweet treat, ensure you are still practicing good oral hygiene: brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily to remove plaque buildup between teeth, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash. Lastly, don’t forget to stay hydrated; drinking six to eight glasses of water per day keeps your saliva production in optimal condition which helps rid debris from your mouth.
Quit smoking if you are smoker
Quitting smoking is one of the most significant steps you can take to improve your oral health and reduce your risk of gum disease. The first step is to commit to quitting – making a plan and enlisting the help of family, friends, and healthcare professionals is vital.
From there, identify triggers that may lead to cigarette cravings and develop strategies for avoiding them. Many people find nicotine replacement therapies helpful for easing the physical effects of quitting well-known ones are patches, gums, sprays, and lozenges which replace some of the nicotine that cigarettes provide.
In addition to these products, your doctor may suggest medications such as bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix). Finally, try living smoke-free in small increments by reducing cigarettes over time. A slower approach can make successfully quitting less overwhelming and make it easier to turn away from smoking when a craving strikes.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash
Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall health and well-being. To reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, it is recommended that you use antiseptic mouthwash in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth. When using an antiseptic mouthwash, you should swish it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds.
Mainly focus on areas that may be more prone to plaque buildup, such as around the gum line. Doing this will help thoroughly remove all food debris and bacteria between the teeth and gums. Be sure to spit out the mouthwash after swishing it, because it is not meant to be swallowed due to alcohol content or chlorhexidine gluconate.
These are some of the most critical steps to protect yourself from gum disease and keep your mouth healthy. As long as you stay mindful of your oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, watch your diet, and where possible quit smoking, you can reduce your risk of developing gum disease significantly.