A Guide to Preventing Gum Disease
- Feb 17 2025
When people think about staying healthy, they often focus on eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. But did you know that your gums significantly affect your overall well-being? Gum disease isn’t just a matter of bad breath, bleeding gums, or even tooth loss. Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is linked to life-altering health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
The good news is that gum disease is preventable. Protect more than your smile – follow this guide to help keep your mouth healthy for years to come.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
By making a few changes in your daily routine and following these simple steps, you can help prevent gum disease.
Brush Like You Mean It (But Gently!)
Brushing your teeth twice daily is your first line of defense against gum disease. But how you brush matters. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in small, circular motions to clean your teeth and gums. Be gentle. Brushing too hard or incorrectly can actually harm your gums.
Floss Every Single Day
Brushing alone is insufficient to keep your gums healthy and prevent periodontal disease. Flossing isn’t just for getting rid of food stuck between your teeth. It removes plaque buildup in places your toothbrush can’t reach. Floss picks or a water flosser can make the process easier, but consistency is key.
Rinse with Mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and kill bacteria that lead to gum disease. For best results, avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after rinsing. If you have sensitive gums, choose an alcohol-free mouthwash.
Avoid Sugary and Starchy Foods
Here’s another reason to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables instead of foods heavy in sugars and starches: too much sugar and starch increases your risk of gum disease. Limit these foods and focus on fresh, unprocessed foods, especially those rich in vitamins C and D, which help support healthy gums.
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated has many health advantages, including several for your teeth and gums. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth. It also encourages saliva production, which naturally fights plaque buildup.
Quit Smoking or Vaping
Tobacco use is one of the major risk factors for gum disease. Quitting smoking or using tobacco can drastically improve your gum health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has free resources to help you stop smoking or vaping.
See Your Dentist Regularly
Your actions are a significant factor in preventing gum disease, but don’t skip the dentist. Twice-yearly dental check-ups and cleanings are key to preventing gum disease. Your dentist can spot early signs of trouble before they become serious issues.
How to Recognize Early Signs of Gum Disease
Catching gum disease early can save you from pain, tooth loss, and costly treatments. Watch for these warning signs of gingivitis (early-stage gum disease):
- Bleeding When Brushing or Flossing – This is one of the earliest signs of gum disease. If your gums bleed easily, don’t ignore it.
- Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums – Healthy gums should be pink and firm, not puffy or irritated.
- Persistent Bad Breath – If you have halitosis (bad breath) even after you brush, it could be due to bacteria trapped in your gums.
- Receding Gums – Gums that look like they are pulling away from your teeth are another sign of gum disease. Receding gums expose more of your teeth than they should and can lead to other dental issues.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
If you spot any signs of early gum disease or if it’s been more than six months since your last dental exam, don’t wait. Contact Forest Hills Dentistry to schedule your appointment and keep your gums healthy.
Categories: Dental Health