5 Ways To Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease prevention is what we strive for at each patient’s checkup! Gum disease affects almost half of Americans who are over the age of 30. This dental condition can lead to more severe conditions, so it’s important to understand what it is and how to prevent it! When gum disease is found early, patients have a higher chance of recovering and getting the help they need. Gum disease like Gingivitis, if found early enough, can be treated effectively through regular cleanings with your dentist every six months. But if this disease progresses without detection and treatment, it can turn into periodontal disease which is much worse. Learn more about ways to prevent gum disease below so you can care for your teeth at the dentist and at home! 

Follow A Good Oral Hygiene Routine

A good oral hygiene routine can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay! If you follow good brushing habits twice a day and use floss and mouthwash daily, you can ensure your mouth is on the track to success. When many patients let their oral health slip or don’t take care of their teeth as well as they should, they will find their teeth are more susceptible to diseases and other dental issues. If you let the plaque on your mouth build up over time, it will inflame and irritate your gums, making them harder to remove and more susceptible to gum disease.

Increase Vitamin C Intake

Did you know that a Vitamin C deficiency can cause gum disease? Many patients may be deficient in Vitamin C without realizing it. Vitamin C is found in many fruits, especially citrus fruits, as well as potatoes, peppers, and other vegetables. Increasing your Vitamin C intake will help prevent gum disease. These foods have properties that can prevent the gums from becoming irritated or bleeding, which is a common sign of gum disease. If you are not a fan of incorporating these foods into your diet, consult with your doctor on a Vitamin C supplement and whether or not it’s right for you. 

Eat A Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet can help you prevent gum disease by providing your body with essential nutrients to improve your overall oral health. Staying away from sugary foods and drinks is healthy not only for your body but also for your teeth. Sugary soft drinks can be harmful to your teeth, and sticky, chewy, and hard candy can also be damaging if not eaten in moderation. The bacteria left on your teeth from carbs and sugar releases an acid that can damage your teeth and gums. Not following good brushing habits and dental visits puts you at a higher risk for gum disease and tooth decay. A healthy diet is all about balance and not overly restricting or binging. If you have a sweet tooth, it’s, of course, fine to eat a treat in moderation but ensure that you follow a good oral routine after you indulge.  

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key for your mouth and overall body! Be sure that you are always drinking plenty of water throughout the day and in between meals. This will keep your body happy and strong while also washing away bacteria and food remnants from your mouth. When you drink plenty of water, your body produces more saliva, which is key for washing away bacteria and dental plaque from the mouth. Drinking water is essential, and limiting sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages is a great way to prevent dehydration and dental-related issues. 

Schedule Routine Dental Care

As always, scheduling routine dental care is the key to success! Ensuring your mouth looks clean and healthy twice a year allows you to prevent any future dental issues and detect any current issues early on! Good brushing habits are key to keeping your teeth healthy, and visiting a dentist ensures you are on the right track. Your dentist will examine your mouth twice a year at your checkup and help remove any buildup of plaque you may have to prevent it from causing worse dental conditions. Schedule an appointment with our dentist today to ensure your smile is healthy and happy!

Schedule A Dental Exam at Jo-Anne Johnson DMD Family Dentistry 

If you are looking for a dentist who is committed to your health and safety, contact Jo-Anne Johnson, DMD Family Dentistry. Our team ensures your mouth is clean and healthy while finding any detection or oral cancer or gum disease early on! If you want to schedule a routine dental appointment and exam for you or one of your family members, our office is ready. Give your mouth and overall health the dedication it deserves to be healthy. Schedule your appointment using our online form, or call us at 603-471-6000.