Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay, loss, and other serious oral health problems that may affect your self-esteem.
The good news is that with appropriate gum disease prevention measures, you promote good oral health and reduce the risk of gum diseases. Here are 11 gum prevention tips to help you retain those sparkly white teeth.

 

Brush Twice a Day

Brushing regularly (at least twice daily) is essential for good oral health. In fact, it is the most effective step, and one should not overlook it. When brushing your teeth, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time. Also, make sure you use the right technique (brush in a gentle circular motion) when brushing your teeth. Don't forget to wash the tongue, as it houses many bacteria that may cause tooth decay.

 

Use Flouride Toothpaste

While brushing is a necessity, how do you know what kind of toothpaste helps with preventing periodontal disease? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fluoride toothpaste actively helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease by strengthening the tooth enamel. So, when buying toothpaste, invest in one that contains fluoride.

 

Floss Daily

Flossing is just as important as brushing for preventing gum disease. It removes debris from between teeth and along the gum line. To floss, use a clean section of floss for each tooth and gently glide it between your teeth, being careful not to snap it against your gums.

 

Use Mouthwash

Besides flossing, invest in an anti-tartar mouthwash. Mouthwash works like toothpaste and can effectively kill bacteria while freshening your breath. Just make sure to choose an antiseptic mouthwash that contains fluoride to help prevent gum disease.

 

Eat a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin C, can help prevent gum disease and promote healthier gums. Still, this can be tricky as most foods promote tooth decay and gum disease. A gum disease dental prevention diet will typically involve eating lots of vegetables, fruits, milk, and fish. So, avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which promote gum disease.

 

Avoid and Quit Smoking

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists smoking as one of the major causes of gum disease. How? Brushing the teeth the wrong way can cause injuries around your teeth. When you smoke, it weakens your immune system and interferes with your body’s ability to heal. To be on the safe side, avoid smoking.

 

 

Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Like smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages can increase your risk of developing gum disease. Excessive alcohol in the bloodstream causes a serious bacterial imbalance that makes it impossible for your gum to heal. This also means that your gum will quickly get inflamed and infected, which may lead to gum disease. Plus, not only does alcohol lead to gum disease, but it can also cause dental decay.

 

 

Drink Water Regularly

An article published by the College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, explains that water is an effective mouth cleaner that can wash away leftover food residues that may facilitate bacteria growth in the mouth and cause gum disease. What this means is that drinking lots of water is a natural gum disease prevention measure that won’t cost much and work well.

 

Do Regular Dental Checkup

It’s also a good idea to visit your dentist twice a year. A dentist will do a comprehensive examination of your gum and advise you on your oral health. This way, you know when your oral health is at risk and can take measures to preventing gum disease.

 

Use Protective Mouth Guard during Rigorous Activities

Mouthguards are a versatile tool. People use them to treat conditions from teeth grinding to sleep apnea. But, that's not all there is to it. When used properly, a mouth guard can protect your gums, rather than damage them. They protect your gums from injury, especially during strenuous activities like sports that may cause injuries and give way to bacteria that cause infections and boosts gum disease.

 

Use a Water Floss

Another home gum disease prevention measure to consider is to use water flossers. A water flosser helps you manage plaque and tartar that may cause tooth decay and periodontal disease. The best part is it is easy to use and can reach tricky places in your mouth.

If you are looking for a good water flosser, Flossmo Water Flosser is one of the best home remedies for gum disease. With the pulsating water and nozzle tips that suit different gum needs, Flossmo Water Flosser can reduce the risk of bacteria and infection that may cause gum disease.

Final Thoughts
Gum disease can affect anyone, whether kids or adults. Studies have shown that it affects almost half of the UK and US adults while 19% of the global adult population suffers from this illness. In fact, kids are not overlooked, as 29.6% aged 12 to 15 have periodontal disease. For this reason, parents need to take gum disease prevention for children seriously while caring for themselves too. You might think you practice the best oral hygiene but plaque and tartar build-up even with the slightest negligence to your oral health. Regardless, be sure to follow these gum health tips above to ensure good oral health.