Some Great Methods to Prevent Gum Disease in Your Mouth

When it comes to your dental health it’s not just about how straight your teeth are or how great your smile is. Your gums also deserve proper attention even if you are free from cavities. You may have the most beautiful teeth in town but if your dental gum isn’t healthy it means you are susceptible to gum disease. This condition is usually painless and would give you no idea about whether anything is wrong with your gums.

Gum Disease — What Is It?

The onset of gum disease begins when plaque builds up under and along the gum line. Plaque is full of bacteria and appears like a film-like substance. It can infect the gums of your teeth as well as the bone leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Gingivitis is also caused by plaque and is the earliest stage of disease in the teeth gum. When you have gingivitis your gums become inflamed, red, tender, swollen, and prone to bleeding.

Thankfully as the bone and tissue holding the teeth in position are not impacted the damage caused by gingivitis is reversible.

You may also develop the condition of periodontitis which is an advanced form of gum disease. The bones holding your teeth are impacted by periodontitis and when it is left untreated it can ruin the tissues, bones, and gums that are all connected to your teeth.

The final stage of gum disease is known as advanced periodontitis. This is a condition when the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed. Your bite will be impacted and the teeth in your mouth may face extraction.

The American Dental Association has stated that the signs of gum disease will include:

• Bad taste and breath in your mouth consistently.
• You will have loose or separating permanent teeth.
• Bleeding from the gums easily.
• Swollen, tender, or red gums.
• Receding gums pulling away from the teeth.

Gum disease is entirely preventable and given below are some great methods to prevent gum disease in your mouth.

Floss Daily

Flossing every day is suggested. Flossing is helpful to remove the plaque and food particles that cannot be reached by your toothbrush state the ADA. The time of the flossing does not matter as long as you do it any time when it is convenient for you.

Regular Dental Cleanings

Early signs of gum disease and symptoms can be detected by a dentist if you visit him or her regularly. When detected early the symptoms can be treated before they advance into a serious condition. Professional cleanings are the best way to get rid of tartar. It is also helpful to remove any plaque you may have missed when brushing and flossing. The condition of gingivitis can easily be reversed by brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist for cleanings regularly.

Give up Smoking

Smoking is another reason to prevent the onset of gum disease. It has a strong association with this condition as smoking weakens the immune system. It also makes it difficult to fight off gum disease as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, smoking makes it difficult for your gums to heal without gum disease treatment after they have been damaged.

Brushing After Every Meal

If you want to stay away from unhealthy gums it is suggested that you brush your teeth after every meal. The brushing helps to remove food particles and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Scrubbing your tongue will also prove helpful because it harbors bacteria. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and fits in your mouth comfortably. You can consider an electric powered or battery-powered toothbrush because these can help to reduce gingivitis and plaque better than manual brushing. Change toothbrushes or the head every three months or earlier if the bristles are beginning to fray.

Prefer a Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is capable of preventing cavities and other diseases in your mouth and stores in the market are full of brands claiming to be the best toothpaste for periodontal disease and whitening your teeth. However, you must choose toothpaste that contains fluoride and is approved by the ADA. The color and flavor does not matter and is according to your preference.

A Therapeutic Mouthwash Is Best to Prevent Gum Disease

Therapeutic mouthwashes are available over-the-counter and helpful to reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, reduce the speed of tartar development or a combination of the three. Additionally, a rinse can remove food particles and debris from your mouth despite not being a substitute for brushing and flossing. To find a safe and effective mouthwash consider products that have the ADA Seal of approval.

Whether you rinse, brush, floss first does not matter as the only thing you should remember is to do a good job with the three by using good products approved by the ADA.