3 Tips for Gum Disease Prevention

The CDC asserts that around 50% of Americans have some degree of Periodontal Disease, which poses a major problem not only when it comes to oral health, but also when it comes to overall health.

Periodontal Disease is an infection of the gums which will eventually lead to tooth loss if left unaddressed or untreated. Bacteria that causes the cavities which lead to various forms of periodontal disease come from plaque, which is a sticky substance constantly trying to stick to your teeth.

Periodontal Disease presents itself in its early stages of development as Gingivitis, which causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed (especially while brushing or flossing).

If you leave a case of Gingivitis untreated, Periodontal Disease will show its ugly face. Nobody wants that. Below are a few measures you can take to protect yourself from Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease.

1.) Develop a Healthy, Thorough, and Consistent Brushing/Flossing Routine

Brushing and flossing twice daily (preferably in the morning and at night) is your first line of defense against plaque and bacteria which nestle in the crevices and surfaces of the teeth and gums. Brush for 3-5 minutes. And make sure to floss!

2.) Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption

A night at the bar often results in even the most strict brusher conveniently forgetting to go through with their oral health practice at the end of a night out. Alcohol has a notably negative effect on your teeth and gums due to its high sugar content, which causes chaos in the mouth. Alcohol also causes dehydration (also called dry mouth). Danger of gum disease and tooth decay increases as the mouth becomes more dry.

3.) Schedule Regular Visits with Your Dentist

Going in to see the dentist at least twice annually is a great way to supplement your oral health practice at home as well as continuously gauge your oral health practice and track the health of your teeth and gums. A good dentist will be able to spot any minor problems before they become more serious issues.

If you have any additional questions about how you can reduce your risk of getting gum disease, contact Bixby Knolls Dental Group today to schedule your consultation. We are now serving patients in the Long Beach, CA area and its surrounding communities of Los Angeles and Orange County.