According to studies commissioned by the Centers for Disease Control, half of adults over the age of 30 in the United States suffer from some form of periodontal disease. A serious and widespread disease, patients experience a higher risk of adult tooth loss, as well as uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, there are a number of tips to help prevent gum disease and safeguard your smile.
Gum Disease Prevention Tips
- Stop smoking: When you use tobacco you can exacerbate the disease, increasing the likelihood of adult tooth loss. In addition, smoking and tobacco use also increases the risk of oral cancer, lung cancer, and a host of other health problems. We will always encourage patients to stop smoking.
- Have your teeth cleaned: A dental cleaning removes tartar from the teeth. Hardened plaque, or tartar, cannot be removed with brushing and flossing. Over time, the buildup can inflame gum tissue, boosting the chances of gum disease developing. To protect your smile you should have your teeth cleaned once every six months.
- Brush daily: When you brush you help remove food particles and lessen he severity if plaque buildup, which reduces the amount of tartar that forms on your teeth. You should brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. Each session should last no less than two minutes, reaching every available surface of your teeth.
- Always floss: When you floss you remove food particles caught between teeth. Flossing does more for gum disease prevention than brushing, so we recommend flossing every day before going to bed.
- Be aware of potential warning signs: Don’t ignore potential warning signs. If you notice your gums appear red, feel sore, or bleed easily, talk to your dentist. You may need treatment to avoid the onset of periodontal disease.
