Taking care of your oral health goes beyond having straight teeth and a bright smile. You also need to think about your gums. Gum disease is quite common and, if left untreated, it can have serious negative effects on overall health. 

 

Periodontal disease has been linked to different health conditions, including heart and respiratory disease. The disease is often painless in the early stages, and most people do not realize they have gum problems. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to prevent gum disease.

 

Brushing Teeth Correctly

It is common knowledge that brushing teeth every day is vital. Brushing the teeth after every meal does more than protect the teeth from cavities and decay: it helps prevent gum disease. 

 

Brushing removes food and plaque from the teeth and gums. It is optimal if you use a soft-bristled toothbrush so as not to damage your gums. Also, you must always brush the tongue to remove harmful bacteria. For the best results, consider investing in an electric or battery-powered toothbrush. 

 

Flossing and Using Mouthwash

Flossing is one of the best things you can do for your gums. Daily flossing will help get rid of food and plaque that is beyond the reach of your toothbrush. Food tends to get stuck between the teeth, and the best way to dislodge it is by flossing. Use a therapeutic mouthwash to reduce or prevent gingivitis. Rinse the mouth to remove food particles. Doing so also helps reduce the development of tartar.

 

Regular Dental Cleaning

Brushing your teeth twice a day is great, but you should also get professional dental cleaning regularly. A professional dental cleaning can do what you cannot do yourself. The dentist or oral hygienist will remove the tartar and plaque buildup that you have missed. 

 

The dentist will also likely detect signs of gum disease that you may be unaware of. Regular professional cleaning, along with daily cleaning, can reverse gingivitis. 

 

Quit Smoking and Tobacco Products

If you are a smoker, you will likely develop gum disease. Smoking has been associated with gum disease and weakening the immune system. It also makes it difficult to ward off a gum infection. 

 

Smoking also makes it more difficult for the gums to heal after they have been damaged. This means that treatment will be less effective. Avoid smoking and other tobacco products: they are bad for your overall health. 

 

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

There are numerous options in the market when you buy toothpaste. You can get any brand, flavor, or color that you want. When looking for toothpaste to protect your gums, choose fluoride toothpaste. Toothpaste that contains fluoride is the best option for healthy gums. Look for the ADA seal of acceptance while you are at it. 

 

Good oral healthcare will help prevent gum disease. Taking vitamins can keep your gums healthy. According to studies, taking vitamin D regularly can help you avoid gingivitis. Vitamin C and calcium are also essential for gum and jawbone health. 


 

For more information on preventing gum disease, visit SmileOn Dentistry at our office in Marina Del Rey, California. You can call (310) 881-8780 today to book an appointment.