Five Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
July 14th, 2021
Gum disease is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in Ireland. If left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection and eventually loss of teeth.
The first signs of gum disease are red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Other symptoms include bad breath, gum recession and sensitive or loose teeth.
Practising good oral hygiene is the most important action that a person can take to prevent and treat gum disease. Here, Dr Oonagh O’Regan from our Ennis practice, shares five ways to help keep your gums healthy.
#1 Brush twice a day
A thorough brushing routine is key to maintaining a healthy mouth and gums. It is recommended to brush twice per day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, especially last thing at night.
#2 Floss daily
To help remove food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums, floss daily or use an interdental brush. Ideally, floss before brushing so that any released particles can be removed from the mouth. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to cavities and gum disease.
#3 Use a fluoride toothpaste
Using a fluoride toothpaste helps keep teeth strong and prevent dental decay. Be sure to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing but avoid rinsing, so that fluoride remains on your teeth for as long as possible.
#4 Quit smoking
Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. As smoking weakens the immune system, it makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Smoking also makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they have been damaged.
#5 Schedule a dental exam
Regular check-ups allow your dentist to detect conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease early. In addition to a good dental hygiene routine at home, professional cleaning helps to prevent a build-up of plaque bacteria which can cause gum disease.
To book an appointment at your local Dental Care Ireland practice, contact us here
