Gum disease is irreversible once it reaches the advanced stage. With this being said it’s important to either prevent it or to manage it if you have developed it. Your oral health is connected to the health of your entire body. Meaning that if you develop gum disease your body is now being put in a position where it is at risk for developing other kinds of diseases directly related to gum disease. It’s been proven that gum disease can be a risk factor for heart disease as well as stroke. Also, proven is that good oral healthcare is directly related to the overall care of your body. Brushing, flossing, and having regularly scheduled check-ups is important when it comes to the fight against gum disease. If gum disease is left unchecked it can lead to periodontitis which will eat away at your soft gum tissue that surrounds your teeth which may cause there to be a need for gum grafting. To prevent this from happening it’s important to practice good home care oral hygiene habits.
Home Care Oral Hygiene Habits
Although, having regularly scheduled dental visits and check-ups is the number one way to help with the prevention of gum disease its also important to practice good home care oral hygiene habits. Review the following tips below to help you strategize how to care for your gums as well as for your teeth at home:
- Floss every day – preferably right before bed after a full day of meals
- Brush twice a day for 2-3 minutes, and make sure you don’t miss any spots
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to remove leftover plaque
- Reduce the sugary and starchy foods in your diet
- Stay away from tobacco and cigarettes
- Correct problems with teeth grinding or misaligned teeth before they become serious
- Speak to your doctor about what medications can increase your risk of gum disease
- Schedule visits twice a year with a dentist or periodontist
Properly caring for your teeth and for your gums from home begins with the proper habits as well as the proper practices. Be sure to pay attention to how you care for your mouth and enjoy a healthy smile.
Give Us a Call
Making regularly scheduled appointments with your dentist or your periodontist would be beneficial to assist you with gum disease prevention. Schedule a consultation today to get your gum disease exam.