The biggest threat to your dental health isn't cavities and tooth fillings; it's gum disease. What starts as minor gingivitis is already on a course to take over your entire mouth, deteriorating your jaw and loosening your teeth—unless you catch it early and fight it off with teeth cleaning and other measures. Here are the top five ways Keen Dental Care in Columbia, MO, recommends preventing gum disease.

Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

1. Brush & Floss Well

The most basic rule for a healthy mouth is thorough teeth cleaning. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste, using a circular motion over every tooth surface. Floss between every pair of teeth, making sure to address both sides of each gap. Gum disease relies on a buildup of plaque and tartar, so don't let that buildup happen.

2. Visit the Dentist Regularly

Everyone makes mistakes in their teeth cleaning routines, which is why it's so important to have a professional monitor your mouth. Find the best dentist you can to point out the places in your mouth which need attention and to treat any budding problems.

3. Consult an Orthodontist

Crooked and poorly spaced teeth are subject to several potential health problems, one of which is that they're harder to clean. If your teeth aren't straight and even, consult an orthodontist to get them there.

4. Ask for Scaling & Root Planing

If you're gathering tartar below the gumline, your mouth has entered a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. Scaling and root planing cleans and smooths the tooth surfaces below the gums, getting rid of this haven for disease-causing bacteria.

5. Know the Signs

Red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums may seem normal to some, but in fact, this is the first stage of gingivitis. Keep an eye out for the warning signs and counter them with extra attention during brushing and flossing. If your gum disease progresses to the formation of periodontal pockets, receding gums, pus from under the gum line, persistent bad breath, or loosening teeth, seek professional dental care.

Gum disease is a major threat to your mouth, but it is treatable. If you're concerned about your gums, call Keen Dental Care at (573) 875-5336 or request an appointment online.