Prevent Gum Disease

The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that evidence exists that links bacteria in our mouth, present when there is gum disease is linked to the occurrence of heart disease including artery blockages and the increased risk for stroke.

On a daily basis you can actively prevent gum disease by brushing your teeth properly to remove plaque, use a fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay, floss your teeth daily so that you can rid your teeth of the plaque in between them that your toothbrush misses, and by using a antimicrobial mouth rinse to provide extra help with plaque control. It is also important to have your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year when you have your dental exams. These dental exams can catch gum disease in the early stage when it is reversible.

Eating healthy foods, drinking enough water daily and limiting the amounts of sweets you eat are also important parts of your oral hygiene. If you are a smoker, seriously consider quitting to help improve your oral health.

If you are in a situation where brushing is impossible you can still help prevent gum disease by rinsing your mouth with water after eating. Rinsing your mouth with water, can reduce the bacteria in your mouth by as much as 30%.

The best times to brush your teeth are after meals and at bedtime. Ask your dental hygienist to show you the proper way to brush and floss to be sure that you are doing all you can to prevent gum disease. Don't forget to scrub your tongue, as bacteria love to hang out on the back of your tongue.

After brushing rinse your toothbrush thoroughly to rid it of the food particles you just brushed off to prevent them from re-depositing the next time you put it into your mouth.

Use a soft toothbrush to decrease your chance for gum irritation.

If you don't floss daily now, develop this habit to help prevent gum disease. Brushing alone cannot get the plaque that gets between your teeth. Flossing can reach these places that otherwise would be breeding grounds for bacteria that causes gum disease.

Use dental products that have the Seal of Acceptance from the Amerian Dental Association (ADA) to be sure that the products you use are safe and effective in preventing gum disease.

Certain toothpastes do more than just remove dental stains and food particles from your teeth, they can also reduce the amount of plaque present in your mouth. Some toothpastes are designed to help reduce calculus (tartar), but only above your gum line. It is important to avoid the toothpastes that contain abrasives that can add to gum disease as well as all tooth whiteners that are made of carbamide peroxide, because this chemical can breakdown into hydrogen peroxide, which can cause damage to your gums.

Make sure that the floss you use does not shred or fray when used, because this could irritate gums.

Do not use oral irrigators (water spraying devices) alone without brushing, as they will not remove plaque from your teeth. You must still brush and floss when using these devices.

Recommended Reading:

1. How To Prevent Gum Disease - Using your common sense, eating a well balanced nutritious diet and educating yourself about how to best take care of...
2. What Happens When You Have Gum Disease. - You look in the mirror and see more tooth than normal and you notice blood on your toothbrush. Your gums...
3. What To Expect During A Gum Disease Exam - You suspect that you may have gum disease. You have done the responsible thing and made a dentist appointment. The...
4. The Nitty Gritty On Gum Disease - Approximately 80% of American adults have some degree of gum disease. Gum disease can be something that is easily reversed...
5. Gum Disease And Our Pets - Humans are not the only ones to suffer from gum disease. Our pets can also be at risk for gum...