If you could avoid dental problems from occurring wouldn’t you? Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and at Appolon Dental Group, we want to empower our patients to prevent gum disease with simple ways at home. Find out the best ways to prevent gum disease with home care.
Brush for Two to Three Minutes
Unless you set a timer or use an electric toothbrush, it’s more than likely you’re not brushing for at least two minutes. One of the reasons dentists recommend brushing for at least two minutes is so that you can clean every area of your mouth thoroughly. You must remove plaque from on top of your teeth and near the gum line to prevent gum disease from forming. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles so you don’t harm your gums. For best results, opt for an electric toothbrush instead of a manual toothbrush. Not only do electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer, but they work much better. Make sure you brush your teeth before you go to bed and in the morning at the very least.
Floss Daily
Your toothbrush can’t remove plaque that gets stuck between your teeth. The only way to remove the plaque and debris from between your teeth is with floss. Although water picks work, they don’t work as well as traditional floss. Floss not only removes plaque from between your teeth but also under your gum line. If plaque doesn’t get trapped under the gum line, gum disease won’t form. Whatever you do, don’t skip your daily flossing. Not flossing can lead to gum disease, cavities, and bad breath!
Eat a Healthy Diet
Foods high in starch or sugar can increase the amount of plaque on your teeth. If you eat a diet low in sugar or starch, less plaque will build up. Make sure to also eat a diet high in vitamins C and A to prevent gum disease.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Those who use tobacco products and smoke have a higher risk of getting gum disease than those who don’t. Smokers have twice the risk of gum disease than nonsmokers. The more tobacco products you use the higher your risk is. Not only do smoking and tobacco products increase your risk, but it makes treatment more difficult. To prevent gum disease, don’t use tobacco products.
Use a Mouth Wash
For extra protection against gum disease, incorporate a daily mouth wash in your routine. Although using mouth wash can’t replace brushing or flossing, it can kill bacteria in your mouth, freshen your breath, and protect you from cavities. Opt for a fluoride mouth rinse for the best results.
Contact Us for Gum Disease Treatment in Midtown Manhattan
If you believe you have gum disease, it’s important to treat the condition sooner than later. Contact Dr. Appolon at Appolon Dental Group for gum disease treatment at our Midtown Manhattan dental office. Request a virtual consultation today to get started!
