You are brushing your teeth in the morning, and you notice that your gums are bleeding when you finish. This is one of the signs of gum disease and is caused when the bacteria in plaque get in between the gums and teeth. If left untreated, your gums will continue to pull away from your teeth causing one or more teeth to fall out. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, around half of adult in the United States have gum disease. There are several habits you can enact in your daily life to prevent being a part of that statistic!
Simple ways to reduce your risk of getting gum disease
Brush and Floss
This maybe obvious to some, but the best way to prevent gum disease is to brush and floss at least twice a day. Many people forget or just don’t like to floss, but it is an effective way to get rid of food particles and plaque that are lodged in between teeth. You should brush in between meals to prevent plaque from building up around your gum line. Do not forget to brush your tongue because plaque builds up tremendously there. Also, be gentle when brushing along your gums without further inflaming them.
See a Periodontist
Having annual check ups from your periodontist, a dental professional that specializes in gum disease is the best way to have healthy gums. A periodontist will look at all the spots in your mouth for any risk factors for gum disease. They will be able to identify the early signs of the disease before symptoms even start to develop.
Eat The Right Foods
One of the easiest ways to prevent gum disease is to eat foods that are full of vitamins and minerals, so they can keep your gum tissue healthy. Look for foods that are high vitamin C such as oranges because it helps prevent gingivitis, which is the start of gum disease. Avoid eating sugary snack and drinks such as candy and soda.
Oral Care from Catonsville Dental Care
Whether you want to whiten your teeth, straighten your teeth or have a wisdom tooth extracted Catonsville Dental Care offers a wide variety of services when it comes to oral health. We have the experience and understanding to diagnose and treat any problem you have as quickly and painlessly as possible. With four dentists available at our office and commitment to comfort, safety and relaxation you can’t find a better provider for your health. We look forward to helping you keep your smile perfect all year long and talking with you about your needs. To schedule an appointment or consultation, visit us online or give us a call at 410-747-1115. For more tips and tricks follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.