9 Tips For Preventing Gum Disease

prevent gum disease Kennesaw

Unfortunately, gum disease is very common. But completely preventable.

Here’s some simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

If you keep your teeth and gums healthy, you will only need to visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups. Not major treatment.

1. Brush properly

Brush for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Remove the particles of food Don’t brush too hard, but be thorough. Scrubbing your gums aggressively can be painful and is a BIG don’t.

2. Floss daily

Flossing removes plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t like to floss? Try a floss holder, which makes it much easier to insert floss between teeth. But get over your aversion to flossing, unless you want decay or gingivitis (gum disease).

3. Use a mouth rinse

Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can prevent plaque accumulation and keep your enamel strong. Remember that fluoride mouth rinses are not the same as mouthwashes. Mouthwashes have alcohol and are designed to freshen breath. (But they can exacerbate dry mouth which can cause other problems.)

4. Eat a healthy diet

Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A sensible diet provides the nutrients necessary (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.

5. Skip cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

Both of these habits may result in gum disease or oral cancer. While you’re at it, avoid E-cigs and vapors.

6. Check your meds

Be aware that certain medications can also threaten a healthy mouth. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines. If your medications are affecting your dental health, meet with Doctor Anderson.

7. Make preventative care a priority

Exercise preventive care and schedule regular examinations — the ideal way to detect early signs of gum disease and make a plan to reverse it.

8. Talk to your dentist

Talk to your dentist about dental health topics such as old, broken fillings or crowded teeth.

9. Protect your teeth

If you grind your teeth, talk to Doctor Anderson about ways to shield your smile. If you participate in contact sports, use a custom mouthguard.

Listed above are nine simple ways to ensure your teeth don’t decay, or worse, fall out completely. It’s vital to brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Bonus points for brushing and/or rinsing after lunch. Proper brushing and flossing also keeps your breath fresh. Your friends, family, and co-workers will appreciate that!

 

Contact Russell Anderson Jr. Dentistry:

770-419-2535

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1415 Wooten Lake Rd NW Ste 300
Kennesaw, Georgia
30144

 

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