You may have heard or read about gum disease, a lot, lately in the news. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that damages the health and stability of the gums- but that is not all. The advanced stage of gum disease (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of serious systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Nearly 75% of all adults will experience some degree of gum disease– those who treat it early may be able to avoid secondary complications.
The good news? Gum disease is mostly preventable.
How can you prevent gum disease? Here are five ways to help you keep gum disease-causing bacteria at bay.
- Brush, Brush, Brush Your Teeth! We know you know, but do you actually brush your teeth at least twice a day for a full two minutes? Most people do not. Never skip brushing your teeth and make sure you are cleaning all surfaces of your teeth for a whole two minutes.
- Floss Every Day There was an upsetting rumor going around sometime last year that it is not important to floss- this is false. Flossing your teeth is good for your oral health. Floss can reach in between teeth cleaning surfaces a toothbrush cannot access. Flossing once a day helps to dislodge built up food particles, plaque, and tartar. Patients who floss regularly have a lower risk of developing gum disease.
- Rinse, Repeat Mouthwash is commonly only used for a quick breath refresher when there isn’t time to brush throughout the day. It is recommended that patients rinse and repeat with antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day. Mouthwash can help manage the balance of oral bacteria.
- Reduce Risk Factors While some patients are genetically more likely to develop gum disease, there are other risk factors that you can avoid to help decrease your chances of developing gum disease. Smoking, and diets high in sugar or fat greatly increase your risk for gum disease.
- Visit Valley Dental Health One of the best ways to guarantee gum disease does not take over your mouth and body? Visit the dentist at least twice a year for preventive dental health exams. Valley Dental Health is home to highly trained and experienced family dentists with advanced training in periodontal health. Our goal is to help patients maintain their natural smiles through patient education and disease prevention. Routine exams help your dentist keep track of any developing dental concerns, helping to nip gum disease before it progresses.
If you have any questions about proper oral hygiene techniques or needs some tips on improving your routine, be sure to ask one of our Valley Dental Health associates on your next routine visit. Our dental care team will be happy to help you learn the best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We can make personalized recommendations for products based on your unique dental health concerns.
Enjoy a healthy, lasting smile. Periodontist Dr. Roham Rafat and Dr. Ashley Izadi and Dr. Lisa Williams can help you achieve gum health for a beautiful, stable, healthy smile. Valley Dental Health offers a full range of periodontal therapy services to help you regain your oral health. Contact our Cockeysville, MD dentist office or request an appointment with our online form.