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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by the buildup of plaque between the teeth and gums. When you visit the dental office, the hygienist uses a hooked tool called a scaler to scrape away the plaque, making your twice-yearly teeth cleaning one of the most important defenses against gum disease. For the other days of the year, preventing gum disease begins at home.

3 Steps for Preventing Gum Disease

1. Brush Gently Twice Daily

Brushing your teeth removes the bacteria that causes tooth decay. When you brush twice a day, make sure you’re doing it after meals. If you brush before breakfast, you’ll have bacteria lingering in your mouth all day until you brush again at night.

To brush properly, use a soft-bristled brush and a gentle back-and-forth motion for the outsides of the teeth. For the backs of the teeth, turn the toothbrush vertically and use an up-and-down motion. Hard bristles or rough brushing can cause gum recession, so be mindful of this when choosing and using your toothbrush.

2. Floss Once Daily

Brushing alone is not enough to remove all food particles from your teeth. Flossing once a day ensures those stubborn particles wedged between your teeth can’t take up long-term residence there. The great news is, flossing at any time of day is effective. If you’re a morning person, floss when you wake up. If you prefer to floss in the middle of the afternoon, that works too, as long as you make time to do it.

Flossing requires 18 to 24 inches of floss, with the ends wrapped around your index and middle fingers on each hand. Gently move the floss back and forth to slide it between the teeth.  Hold it in a C shape to wrap the floss around one edge of the tooth as you move it up and down and back and forth.  If you’re not sure about your flossing technique, ask your dental office to demonstrate for you.

3. Use Mouthwash

dental officeA mouthwash with an ADA Seal of Approval can provide additional protection against tooth decay and help to remove any remaining bacteria that brushing and flossing can’t reach. Mouthwash should never be considered a replacement for brushing and flossing, but rather a complement to your dental routine — especially if you are prone to tooth decay or have risk factors for gum disease.

If you follow this three-step dental hygiene routine, along with twice-yearly visits to a family dental practice, you can expect a long and healthy relationship with your teeth and gums.

 

Mainwaring John D. DDS, in Orange, CT, is where excellent dental care and patient comfort meet. Dr. Mainwaring and his associates understand that good dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and they provide personalized solutions for your general and cosmetic dentistry needs. Questions? Send a message online or call (203) 799-6625 to schedule your appointment today. You can also find the dental office on Facebook.

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