5 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

It’s very important to take good care of your gums. If you don’t, your soft tissues become irritated and inflamed by bacteria. Irritation can worsen into an infection and a condition known as gum disease. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults! How do you prevent gum disease? Here are five ways:

1. Brush Twice a Day

Plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria, usually causes gum disease. Plaque is always forming on your teeth, which is why it’s important to brush your teeth. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day for 2 minutes each time.

2. Floss Once a Day

Plaque builds up on the surface of your teeth, but also between your teeth. While a toothbrush can’t get inside these spaces, floss can! Flossing daily cleans plaque from between your teeth and along your gum line, which helps prevent gum disease. Be sure to use a clean piece of your floss for each tooth, so you aren’t spreading bacteria around.

3. Get Regular Dental Cleanings

You can take excellent care of your teeth at home, but any plaque you’ve missed will harden into tartar. This can’t be removed at home; only a dentist can remove this hard substance. Dentists can also diagnose problems like cavities and gum disease before symptoms start. To prevent gum disease, you should visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and exams.

4. Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco

Smoking and tobacco use weaken your immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight off infections like gum disease. Smoking also dries out your mouth, which can lead to more plaque build-up. If you want to protect your gum health, don’t smoke or use tobacco.

5. Eat a Balanced Diet

Good nutrition is key to maintaining healthy gums. What does a balanced diet look like? It includes vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy. Everyone’s dietary needs are different, so you should consult your doctor before drastically changing your eating habits. In general, your gum health (and overall health) will improve when you’re eating varied, nutrition-dense foods!

Protect Your Gum Health at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry in Keller, Burleson, and Dallas Texas

At our three locations, we take your gum health seriously. Services like routine cleanings and exams can catch signs of gum disease early, while our periodontal treatments manage more serious cases. If you have questions or want to book an appointment, please contact us today!

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