Tips for Avoiding Gum Disease in 2019
With 2019 rapidly approaching, you may be thinking about how you want to improve your health with positive lifestyle changes. Here at Vero Implants & Periodontics, we also want to help you start the new year off on a healthy note, which is why we want to provide you with tips and tricks on maintaining your oral health and preventing gum disease.
Tips for Preventing Gum Disease in the New Year
Poor oral hygiene is the number one cause of gum disease. This means that the individual either doesn’t brush often enough or isn’t thorough when brushing and flossing, which means plaque remains on the teeth where it feeds the bacteria in the mouth. The resulting bacteria explosion can result in gingivitis and periodontal disease. Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
1. Choose a Good Toothpaste and a Good Toothbrush
Good oral health starts with good products. When choosing a toothbrush, always choose one with soft to medium bristles. Choosing a firm-bristled toothbrush can result in brushing too hard. When you look at toothpastes, make sure to choose one that has the ADA seal of approval. This means that the American Dental Association has tested the toothpaste and proven that it works as intended. Once you found several toothpastes and toothbrushes, simply choose the one you like best. If you are having difficulty, our dentist can recommend the right toothbrush and toothpaste for you.
2. Brush Thoroughly Twice a Day for Three Minutes
Once you have good oral hygiene products, remember to brush your teeth thoroughly for at least three minutes twice a day, making sure to brush across every surface of your teeth and along the gum line. You’ll also want to brush your tongue as bacteria tends to hide on the tongue. Most people choose to brush in the morning and at night. If you wear braces or Invisalign, you’ll also want to brush your teeth after each meal and after drinking liquids that are not plain water.
3. Floss Once a Day
In addition to brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you will want to floss once a day. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between your teeth before it can harden into tartar and increase your risk of developing gingivitis and gum disease. When you choose a flossing product, you will want to make sure it has the ADA seal of approval.
4. Use Mouthwash as Needed
There is no recommendation for the daily use of mouthwash. However, many people use it in order to kill additional mouth bacteria and to help their mouths feel fresh. If you are unsure as to which mouthwash you need, our dentist can recommend several products, including mouthwashes that help with dry mouth.
5. Limit Candy and Sugary Foods and Drinks
Every once in a while, it’s okay to have a sugary drink or piece of candy or cake. However, you should not snack on sugary items all day, because the bacteria in your mouth also love sugar. Sugar is also harder to remove from the surface of your teeth, which means brushing and flossing may not remove all of it, and if sugar is left on your teeth, it can result in more plaque and tartar in your mouth. It also increases your risk for tooth decay and cavities.
6. Visit Our Dentist in Vero Beach or Melbourne, FL
Daily oral hygiene and limiting how often you eat and drink foods containing sugar are musts if you wish to avoid gum disease in 2019, but don’t forget about your 6 and 12-month dental checkups with your regular dentist. Getting regular x-rays and dental cleanings can help catch the beginning stages of gum disease before it results in serious gum recession and bone and tooth loss. However, if you do find yourself with gingivitis and periodontal disease our orthodontists at Vero Implants and Periodontics can help you. We offer surgical cleanings, tooth extraction, bone and tissue grafting and guided bone and tissue regeneration in order to restore your oral health.
To learn more about our orthodontic services in Melbourne and Vero Beach, give us a call at 772-569-9700.