Lowering your Risk of developing Gum disease

Gum disease is often symptomless, you may not realize you have an issue until your gums start to bleed. In some cases, gums don’t even bleed. However, gum disease is an issue for approximately 23% of the population. It’s something you can take steps to prevent and can even reverse if caught early enough.

If left, the bacteria that cause gum disease will attack the soft tissue around and under our teeth. They can also attack the bone, eventually causing your teeth to fall out and irreparable damage to your jawbone.

Add to this the increasing amount of evidence that links gum disease with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and you’ll want to take the following steps to lower your risk of developing it.

It’s important to be aware that your gums don’t have to bleed for you to have gum disease, but they will be swollen and look shiny and smooth. They are also likely to be tender.

Brush Daily

The simplest first step is brushing daily. Most dentists recommend electric toothbrushes but a manual one can be just as effective. The aim is to remove plaque from your teeth. This is the sticky substance that attacks enamel and gradually hardens into tartar, which protects the bacteria as they attack your gums.

Brushing for at least two minutes in the morning and again at night can help to prevent the plaque from building up. You should use a circular motion with a manual toothbrush and avoid brushing too hard.

If you use excessive force you can damage your gums and increase your risk of gum disease, just use your forefinger and thumb when brushing.

Floss

Flossing once a day has been shown to help reduce the risk of gum disease. This is because the flossing process removes some of the plaque and tartar, particularly the bits that brushing can’t reach. Simply slide the floss between your teeth until it is resting against the gum, then using a gently sawing motion bring the floss up between your teeth.

Never do this downward as you can damage your gums.

Stay Hydrated

The salvia in your mouth kills the bacteria that are attempting to attack your teeth and gums. That’s why people with dry mouth are more likely to get gum disease. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water and non-sugared liquids. This will help to ensure you have adequate saliva levels to reduce the risk of gum disease.

Eating a nutritious diet and avoiding smoking can also be beneficial.

Visit The dentist

Visiting your dentist Petrie or wherever you live is essential. This should be done once or twice a year. They will inspect your teeth and can identify any issues early, allowing them to be treated before they become a major problem.

It is important to choose a dentist with a good reputation and one that you feel comfortable with. This will make it easier to visit them and get the dental care you and your teeth need.