Preventing Gum Disease: Tips and Techniques for Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums

The most effective way to prevent gum disease is by adopting good oral habits. Oral health is not just about bright smiles or straight teeth. Healthy gums are essential in keeping gum disease at bay. Most people are unaware they have gum disease since it is typically painless. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

Brush Twice a Day

Experts recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day. You should also use a dentist-recommended fluoride toothpaste. Ensure you brush your teeth for at least two minutes. It gives you enough time to adequately get to all your teeth. If you brush your teeth in a hurry, you could miss some plaque that causes gum disease.

Avoid Sugary Drinks and Foods

Plaque thrives on sugar, using it to produce cavity-causing acids. After eating sugary foods, you can feel plaque on your teeth. Limiting your sugar intake can help prevent gum disease and other health issues.

Floss Once a Day

Plaque typically hides in places your toothbrush cannot reach. For this reason, flossing at least once a day helps eliminate plaque in hard-to-reach places. It helps prevent the formation of cavities between your teeth. Consequently, this prevents gum disease from developing.

Avoid Alcohol, Chewing Tobacco, and Smoking

Smoking impacts your oral health significantly. It encourages plaque buildup, tooth loss, discoloration, and gum disease. It also compromises your mouth’s capability to heal following an injury. 
 

Similarly, alcohol is detrimental to your oral health. It dries your mouth, enabling plaque and bacteria to thrive due to reduced saliva production. Additionally, most alcohols are acidic and sugary, which can lead to oral health issues. Avoid them to prevent gum disease.

Use Mouth Rinse

Dental health experts recommend using a fluoride mouth rinse at least once a day. It helps remove residual food particles or plaque while strengthening your tooth enamel. Consult your dentist to find out which brand fits you best.

Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings

Visiting your dentist regularly is essential. They can detect symptoms of gum disease early on and start treatment. Oral health issues caught early can be treated before they become severe. Expert dental cleaning is the only way to eliminate tartar. It also eliminates plaque that you missed when flossing or brushing. Additionally, regular dental cleanings, flossing, and brushing can help reverse the symptoms of gingivitis.

Diet Tips

What you ingest can directly impact your gum and teeth health. Some of the foods you should take to improve your oral health and keep away gum disease include:
 

• Green and black teas – They help reduce bacteria.

• Foods with fluoride - They include seafood products, some poultry, and water.

• Dairy products – These foods help increase saliva production. They include yogurt, cheese, and milk.

• High-fiber vegetables and fruits – They help clean out your mouth.

For more on preventing gum disease, visit Perio Atlanta at our Atlanta, Georgia office. Call (404) 352-3123 to schedule an appointment today.