4 Dental Hygiene Routines to Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is easily the most common oral health concern. The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that 46 percent of adults over 30 have signs of periodontal disease. While gum disease sounds scary, most issues can be negated by getting proactive about your dental hygiene routines. Take a look at a few important dental hygiene routines to lower your risks of gum disease.
1. Watch Your Diet
When you eat a diet high in sugars, starches, or carbohydrates, this leads to more plaque accumulation on your teeth. Eating a diet healthy and low in sugars can truly lower your risks of gum disease. Likewise, watch out for beverages you may sip throughout the day that contain high amounts of sugar.
2. Brush Twice Daily, Every Day
Always brush twice a day, and make sure you are doing a good job when you brush. A few pointers to keep in mind to ensure you are getting the most benefits when brushing your teeth include:
Brush for about two minutes each time
Use a good toothbrush and toothpaste
Don’t forget the interior surfaces closest to your tongue
3. Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing eradicates food particles that easily get trapped between teeth and where the toothbrush alone may not be effective. Always floss once a day, preferably at night when food particles are most likely to be remaining from the day. Always floss between all of your teeth, including larger teeth in the back of your mouth that can be a bit harder to reach.
4. Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Antimicrobial mouthwash paired with brushing and flossing further targets bacteria and food particles that you may miss. It is fine to rinse your mouth either before or after brushing and flossing, and it can be helpful to use the rinse twice per day. When using the mouthwash, slosh the fluid around in your mouth for about a minute, and try to push the fluid through your teeth to dislodge any bacteria or debris.
Talk to Your Dentist About Gum Disease Prevention
Your dentist is your next line of defense against gum disease. By getting regular teeth cleanings and checkups, your dentist can watch for signs of gum disease so they can be managed before causing severe damage. Need to schedule an appointment? Reach out to our team to discuss your dental health needs today.
