8 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
If you spit blood into the sink after brushing your teeth, you may have gum disease, but you’re certainly not the only one. The NHS stresses that most adults in the UK have some form of periodontitis, but there are ways to prevent it (as it’s properly called).
1) Brush Your Teeth
Who would have thought? But it’s not just about brushing your teeth, it’s about making sure you brush for at least 2 minutes (which many people don’t do), brushing properly to get to all surface areas of your teeth, and even cleaning your tongue (shudder). If you can’t brush twice a day or are struggling with these issues, then start here.
2) Floss Your Teeth
It’s a dreaded job, but dentists and dental hygienists across the country stress that it’s the best way to avoid plaque buildup. If you really can’t stand flossing, why not consider using an oral irrigator?
3) Cut Back on Sugar
Many foods and drinks contain unnecessary sugars, which can damage tooth enamel and contribute to gum disease. Keep a food diary and try to figure out where you are consuming too much sugar. Sugary drinks are the most common culprit.
4) Visit your dentist/hygienist
This is absolutely necessary to prevent further damage and highlight problem areas as well as to have any plaque professionally removed. You should try to see your dentist every 6 months, but at least every 12 months. If you are still struggling with this issue, ask your dentist for advice. He should be able to discuss this topic in more detail.
5) Don’t Smoke
Smoking is not only a major factor in gum disease, but also in many oral hygiene issues. The main reason for this is that it prevents your body from fighting off infection, and if your gums are already damaged, it makes healing more difficult. According to the CDC, you are twice as likely to develop gum disease if you smoke.
6) Reduce Stress
There are numerous tests that show that stress can have an incredibly damaging effect on your mental state, waistline, immune system, and oral health. Keeping your immune system strong is important if you want to improve your oral hygiene and avoid getting sick.
7) Use a mouthwash
Whichever you choose, you’ll need to do some research and consideration on the fluoride content and references, but this can be an added bonus after brushing. This will also help remove anything you may have missed when brushing and flossing alone.
8) Mouthwash
You will definitely eat foods high in sugar, but if you do, try rinsing your mouth with water immediately after the meal. If you’re in a public place or office, just swish some water around your mouth and then swallow it. It’s important to remove as much as possible, even if it’s just a small portion.
Of course, if you have discoloration and stains on your teeth, we recommend trying our teeth whitening powder, as the activated charcoal can absorb and remove toxins and stains from your teeth.
