24 May How to Prevent Gum Disease |Prescott, AZ|
Gum disease is usually painless and progresses slowly, so it can develop into advanced stages before you notice any problems. This condition can cause the gums and the bone structures to deteriorate and can eventually lead to tooth loss. But the good news is that keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine can easily prevent gum disease from developing in the first place. Removing plaque through daily brushing and flossing, as well as scheduling regular dental appointments for professional cleaning, are the best ways to minimize your risk for gum disease. If you are at higher risk, your dentist here at Hicks Dental Group in Prescott can help you come up with a customized home oral care routine. Here is our guide on how to prevent gum disease:
Prevention is the Best Medicine
- Brush for a minimum of two minutes at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste. Brush thoroughly along the gumline.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from the hard-to-reach places in your mouth that your toothbrush can’t get to. If you don’t like traditional flossing, you can try a floss holder, which makes it easier to insert the floss between your teeth.
- Using mouthwash can reduce plaque up to 20 percent, but it should not be used as a replacement for brushing or flossing.
- Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, which can cause gum disease and oral cancer.
- Eat a healthy diet. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque buildup on the teeth. Additionally, a healthy diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables provides the necessary nutrients to prevent gum disease (vitamins A and C are especially helpful).
- Certain medications can also contribute to gum disease, including oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines. So talk to your doctor about this if you are taking any of these medications and are at risk for gum disease.
Visiting Hicks Dental
In addition to keeping up with your home routine, you should visit us regularly to have your teeth professionally cleaned. Although regular brushing and flossing will help control your plaque, we have the proper equipment to remove any tartar that may have built up on your teeth. In addition, regular checkups can help your dentist monitor your overall oral health and identify and prevent problems before they require more invasive and costly treatment. Ask your dentist to discuss your gum health during your next regular visit with us.
Contact us immediately to set up an appointment if you experience any of the following warning signs of gum disease:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Loose or separating teeth
- Chronic bad breath
If you have any more questions about how to prevent gum disease, please ask us at your next appointment. At Hicks Dental Group in Prescott, your oral health is our number one priority. And with the easy preventative measures we’ve outlined in this post, you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful for a lifetime!
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