Gum disease is a serious threat to the health of your mouth and your entire body, which is why dentists emphasize prevention and treatment. Left untreated, gum disease can cause damage to your gums and bone and even lead to tooth loss. To avoid unnecessary extractions, follow these steps for gum disease prevention.

What Dentists Recommend to Prevent Gum Disease

1. Floss Daily

You should be flossing each day to clean out debris from between your teeth and just below your gumline. Make sure to floss between each pair of teeth, pulling the floss tight against both sides of each gap and moving it up and down.

2. Brush Your Gumline

When you brush, make sure your bristles are sweeping your gumline and the area just under it. Angle your toothbrush at about 45 degrees to allow for the best access. Also, don’t brush with long, horizontal strokes, as this can irritate the gums. Instead, use small, circular motions.

3. Watch for Gum Disease Symptoms

In its early stages, gum disease causes gum swelling and redness, as well as making the gums bleed easily. If allowed to progress, it will cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and may also lead to persistent bad breath, tooth pain, and pus. If you notice these signs, you urgently need dental care.

4. Visit the Dentist Regularly

If you notice the signs of gum disease, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for prompt treatment. Otherwise, keep to your recommended exam schedule, which will allow your dentist to catch the early signs of a problem.

5. Give Up Tobacco

If you smoke or chew tobacco, it can seriously aggravate gum disease. Smoking causes the mouth to dry out, which reduces the body’s natural ability to deal with oral bacteria and also decreases circulation in the gums, which compromises your ability to fight an infection. Quitting tobacco is the best thing you can do for your dental health.

Gum disease is a major problem for your mouth, but by developing positive habits and staying on guard, you can prevent its development. Update your hygiene regimen today to keep your teeth and gums in top shape.

For quality dental care in New Britain, CT, choose Gladstein Dental Center. Dr. Gladstein is happy to provide a range of services to patients of all ages, including cosmetic dentistry and gum disease treatment. To make an appointment with the dentist, call (860) 223-1162, or send them a message through the website.