The right dental care practices do more than keep teeth clean and decay-free. They also prevent gum disease, known in its early (and easily reversible) stage as gingivitis and in its advanced stages as periodontal disease. If untreated, the condition will lead to the recession of the gums and underlying bone, eventually causing teeth to loosen and fall out. Luckily, being proactive in the following ways can help protect your oral health.

How to Avoid Gum Disease

1. Don’t Smoke

Make an effort to quit smoking or using tobacco for chewing purposes. Smoking lowers the body’s immunity, which leads to increased susceptibility to gum disease. The chemicals in smoke also irritate gum tissue and contribute to stained teeth and bad breath.

2. Brush & Floss Every Day

Brush twice a day for two minutes and floss at least once daily. Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle, circular motions to remove food particles and plaque. Work floss in between teeth and create a “C” shape around each tooth, making sure to get below the gumline.

A dedicated home dental care routine is essential because as plaque accumulates, it irritates gum tissue to promote inflammation and redness. Without daily cleaning, it hardens into tartar that accelerates the gum disease process. Tartar forms under the gums and can only be removed by a dental hygienist or dentist.

3. Add Whole Foods to Your Diet

Lower your intake of sugary and starchy meals and snacks while consuming more whole foods. Mouth bacteria work with all food particles to form plaque, but they’re especially fond of starches and sugars. Fibrous foods such as apples, celery, and carrots naturally scrape plaque from teeth, and other whole foods like winter squash and spinach feature immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A.

4. See Your Dentist Regularly

Visit the dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and dental care exam. They’ll identify signs of gingivitis or gum disease in addition to deep-cleaning teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar.

If you have gingivitis symptoms, the dentist will recommend lifestyle habits that help reverse it, such as using a timer to clean teeth for exactly two minutes twice a day or rinsing with an anti-tartar mouthwash. 

Schedule your next teeth cleaning and checkup with Lowitz & Meier in Cincinnati, OH. The dental care practice provides family dentistry, cosmetic solutions, and orthodontics in a comfortable environment for patient convenience. Call (513) 521-8900 today to make an appointment or visit the dental office online for more information.