From childhood, our doctors, teachers, and parents stress to us the importance of keeping our teeth clean and cavity-free. Something that’s not given as much emphasis is taking care of our gum health. This helps explain why as adults, almost half of Americans live with some form of gum disease.
Knowing how to prevent gum disease is important, not only to prevent the discomfort that comes with inflamed gums but to maintain good dental health in general. So to practice better gum care and keep your smile sterling, here are some key habits that can help prevent and even reverse gum disease.
1. Brush Your Teeth at Least Twice a Day
It’s the most basic tenet of good dental care, and one of the best ways that you can prevent gum disease.
Brushing and rinsing immediately after a meal helps reduce the levels of acids that contribute to both gum disease and tooth decay. And as gum disease and tooth loss often contribute to one another, it’s a good idea to take this time to check for common Tooth Decay Symptoms as well.
2. Use a Soft-Bristled Brush and Gentle Brushing Technique
As important as brushing is, there can be such a thing as going about it too enthusiastically.
Using a hard-bristled brush or scrubbing your teeth and gums can end up causing more harm than good. Not only will it contribute to enamel loss for your teeth, but repeated damage to the gums can cause them to recede.
3. Floss Daily Once a Day
After brushing, flossing is the next most important thing that you can do to maintain good gum health.
Flossing is so important because it helps remove plaque that your brush’s bristles can’t reach. It will also dislodge bits of food that would otherwise be stuck between the teeth, contributing to decay and gum disease over time.
4. Limit Your Intake of Acidic Food and Drink
Acidic food options like citrus fruits can help contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Even if your dental care practices are stellar, too much of these acidic materials can still cause problems with enough exposure.
Soft drinks, in particular, should be an area of concern. Besides being acidic, most are loaded with sugar as well. Sugar encourages the growth of bacteria that will further contribute to tooth and gum damage.
Knowing How to Prevent Gum Disease Is Key to Good Oral Health
Everyone wants a sparkling white smile. But maintaining good dental health goes beyond caring for the teeth themselves.
Your gums serve as the foundation for your teeth. So knowing how to prevent gum disease will let you maintain the sturdy foundation you need for a healthy, good-looking smile.
But gum disease isn’t the only ailment that’s more common than you may realize. Nor is it the only article of concern. So to keep up with emerging wellness information, be sure to follow our latest health news.
