How to Prevent Gum Disease
Tobacco products
Not only can smoking or chewing tobacco make your teeth yellow and fragile, but they can also increase your risk of gum disease. In addition, smoking or chewing tobacco could highly increase you risk of lung or mouth cancer. The bottom line is, tobacco is not good for your oral health, period.
Floss daily
One of the top causes of gum disease is plaque left between teeth due to nonexistent or inefficient flossing and brushing routines. You should floss between all of your teeth every day in order to keep up with the plaque that is building there. Doing this will increase your oral health significantly.
Brush twice or more a day
In addition to flossing daily, you should be brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day as well. You should be replacing your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are worn.
Attend to fillings
If you had fillings or bridges put in, but did not care for them properly, it may increase your risk of periodontal disease. Since fillings are not always permanent, or can be dislodged, not having a regular check-up could affect your oral health. In order to prevent this form happening, keep your teeth in check all year round.
Monitor your hormones
Rash changes in hormones can increase your risk for gum disease, making gingivitis easier to develop. Because contraceptive products and pregnancy cause your hormones to change drastically, they may in turn increase your risk for gum disease. Check in with both your doctor and dentist if you are taking contraceptives or pregnant.
Reduce sugar intake
Everyone knows that mass amounts of sugar are not good for your teeth, and could give you painful cavities. However, you may want to take in to consideration the long-term possibilities as well. Large amounts of sugar and fatty foods could lead to diabetes, which contributes largely to the risk of gum disease.
Use mouth rinses
FDA-approved antimicrobial mouth rinses will help kill harmful bacteria in your mouth and promote healthy gums and teeth. Check with your dentist to see if the mouth rinse you are using is good for your teeth and how often they recommend you use it.
Monitor medications
Some drugs and medications may increase your risk for periodontal disease. If you take calcium blockers, cancer treatment drugs, steroids, or anti-epilepsy drugs you may have higher risk. This certainly does not mean you should not take those medications, it simply means you should check in with your doctor and dentist regularly.
Regular dental visits
Most importantly, you should make regular visits with your dentist to ensure your oral health. In addition to having scheduled check-up visits, you should keep track of any existing bridges, fillings or other dental work. If a filling comes out, make an emergency appointment to get it repaired.
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