Think that the biggest consequence of gum disease is bleeding gums? Think again! The truth is that gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss and has been found to increase the risk for Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, certain cancers and more. It’s also estimated that 65 million Americans have some form of this condition, so there’s a good chance that you or someone you know is affected. Fortunately, however, there are 5 easy ways to either manage it or prevent it altogether, including regular checkups with a dentist in Lawrenceville. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Go Back To Basics With Your Oral Hygiene
One of the most important things you can do for your gum health is also the simplest: Brush at least twice a day and floss once. In general, a good rule of thumb is that the cleaner you keep your teeth and gums, the fewer issues you’ll have, including both cavities and gum problems.
2. The Right Oral Hygiene Tools Can Help a Lot
Most people can benefit greatly from an electric toothbrush, and nowadays they’re available in a wide range of prices to fit everyone’s budget. Depending on your needs, you may also do well with an oral irrigator to flush plaque and bacteria out from hard-to-reach areas.
And while mouthwash isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing, it can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. Fluoride mouthwashes are helpful for cavity prevention, while antiseptic rinses improve the gums by reducing inflammation and bleeding. There are also all-in-one formulas available that address multiple issues.
3. If Necessary, Straighten Your Teeth
You may only think of orthodontic treatment in terms of making your teeth look better, but it also improves your oral health as well. Crowded teeth create places for plaque and bacteria to hide, which directly contributes to inflammation and gum disease. Straight teeth are much easier to keep clean with your toothbrush and floss.
4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum After Meals
It’s not always practical to brush or floss when you’re on the go. But chewing sugar-free gum is a great way to increase your salivary flow, wash away plaque, and counteract sugars and acids before they damage your teeth and gums.
5. Get Regular Checkups
Finally, don’t forget about the importance of regular checkups. These visits include annual exams to find gum disease as early as possible. And if a dentist does find problems, they can provide periodontal therapy right away. This not only keeps gum disease from getting worse but also lowers the risk of the many problems associated with it, including tooth loss.
Achieving good oral health doesn’t have to be complicated. These 5 simple tips will go a long way towards maintaining your gums and helping you lead a happier, healthier life.
About the Author
With 35 years of experience as a dentist in Lawrenceville, Dr. Bruce E. Carter understands the importance of gum health and how it impacts his patients’ health and well-being. He focuses on prevention by helping people develop effective habits to lower their risk of gum disease as much as possible. If you’d like to know more about how to prevent gum disease or have any questions, he can be contacted through his website.