Could gum disease ruin your smile? The disease can cause painful infections and even lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your Tallahassee, FL, dentists, Dr. James Walton, for checkups can help you protect your gums.
6 ways you can reduce your risk of gum disease
Avoiding gum disease can be as simple as:
- Brushing Your Teeth: Brushing removes plaque, a sticky, clear substance that contains bacteria. Remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them every morning and evening. You'll be much less likely to leave a little plaque behind if you follow the American Dental Association's recommendations and brush for at least two minutes.
- Flossing: Brushing alone isn't enough to get rid of plaque. Toothbrush bristles can't reach the spaces in between teeth where plaque can collect. Flossing gets rid of debris and plaque between teeth and at the gum line, which keeps your gums healthy. Don't like using string floss? Clean your teeth with flossing picks, interdental brushes, or water-powered flossers instead.
- Use Mouthwash: After brushing and flossing, don't forget to use mouthwash. Products that contain fluoride and kill bacteria provide additional protection for your gums. Alcohol-free mouthwashes are more comfortable and won't sting or dry your mouth.
- Don't Smoke: Smoking may increase your risk of gum disease and slow healing if you do happen to develop the disease. Smokers have two times the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Brush Your Tongue: Your mouth won't stay clean for long if you don't brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. If you skip this crucial step, bacteria will find their way onto your teeth and gums just minutes after your finish brushing.
- Visit the Dentist: Schedule checkups and cleanings with your dentist at the Tallahassee, FL, dental office every six months. Cleanings remove plaque and tartar, substances that can inflame and irritate your gums. If you do show any signs of gum disease at your checkup, your dentist can recommend helpful treatments.
Improve your gum health with a visit to your dentists in Tallahassee, FL, Dr. Walton, and Dr. Cardman. Call (850) 893-2136 to schedule an appointment with the dentists.