Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, usually doesn’t even display many symptoms until it’s too late. By that point, your teeth may become loose and even fall out! That’s why it’s important to try and prevent gum disease as much as possible. Your dentist in Lakeway has prepared this handy guide with 4 tips on how to keep periodontal disease at bay.
1. Quit Smoking
Did you know that smokers are three to six times more likely to have gum disease than nonsmokers? This is because smoking increases the amount of tartar, or hardened plaque, in your mouth. Tartar is made of bacteria that attacks the structures anchoring your teeth to your gums. Eventually, built-up tartar can cause tooth loss, which is why smokers have a higher chance of losing their teeth than nonsmokers. Kicking the habit can being only goods things, especially to your oral health.
2. Stay Hydrated
When you’re dehydrated, your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva. This is detrimental because saliva washes away bits of food, drink, and bacteria that would otherwise wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day so that you have enough saliva to keep your mouth clean. In addition, chew sugar-free gum after a meal or snack, especially if you can’t brush your teeth. Doing so will stimulate saliva production.
3. Watch What You Eat
Avoid foods and drinks with lots of sugar and starches. When you consume those, bacteria in plaque create acid that eats away at your tooth enamel and gum tissue. Instead, opt for more mouth-healthy snacks, like cheese, yogurt, vegetables, and fruit (but limit the ones that are super high in sugar).
4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Perhaps the most important step in preventing gum disease is having excellent oral hygiene. This means brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. When selecting a toothpaste at the store, make sure to pick one with the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Approval. That means it has fluoride, a mineral that makes your teeth stronger and fights decay.
In addition, flossing is massively important when it comes to having healthy gums. It’s the only way to clean out plaque from between your teeth that could cause periodontal disease. Visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup is also crucial. Your dental hygienist can give you a professional cleaning to remove tartar, since it’s impossible to remove it on your own.
Following these steps is the best way to prevent gum disease. By doing so, you can save your teeth.
About the Author
At Eaddy Dental, father-and-son team Drs. Winston and Daniel Eaddy provide periodontal therapy in Lakeway, TX to treat gum disease. They also offer advice and tips on how to prevent it in the first place. To schedule a cleaning, or if you think you have gum disease, don’t be afraid to contact Eaddy Dental on their website or by calling (512) 263-4252.
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