Nearly half (47.2%) of American adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. Periodontal issues can spark from a number of sources – plaque buildup, smoking, diabetes, poor oral hygiene, genetics, and more. Thankfully, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risks and preserve your oral health. Check out these gum disease prevention tips, courtesy of Clinton Dental Center.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Basic brushing and flossing are at the cornerstone of all preventative oral health techniques. Brush two to three times per day, and floss at least once a day. It sounds too simple to be effective, but it works! Brushing and flossing eliminate food particles and sugars in your smile – the same sugars that tooth-decaying bacteria feeds on. By keeping your teeth clean on a regular basis, you prevent staining, strengthen your enamel, and guard against periodontal disease.
Schedule Routine Oral Health Exams and Teeth Cleanings
You should get a professional teeth cleaning every six months, complete with an oral health exam. Your dentist will look over your smile for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, gum recession, and more. The sooner you respond to these issues, the easier they’ll be to address. Your dentist can provide tailored solutions to protect your teeth and gums.
Address Gum-Related Issues Promptly
If you are in the first stages of gum disease, follow your dentist’s treatment recommendations. Treatment may include deep teeth cleaning below the gumline, oral medications, prescription mouthwashes, and many other solutions. By taking swift action, you give your gums the best chance at a speedy recovery.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Reducing your tobacco use will greatly lower your chances of developing gingivitis. If you need help quitting smoking, Michigan provides several free or low-cost resources for you to use. Here are some Tobacco Help Resources from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Get Personalized Gum Disease Prevention Tips from Your Dentist
The absolute best advice you can get about gum disease prevention is from your dentist or periodontist. They can see the specific oral health issues you may be facing and recommend personalized solutions for them. Clinton Dental Center provides family dentistry, preventative dentistry, restorative dentistry and periodontics all under one roof. If you’d like a judgement-free appointment to protect your teeth and gums, give us a call at (586) 949-5363.
