How to Prevent Gum Disease

Serving Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona

Once gum disease starts it can be very hard to stop. If left untreated it can eventually lead to tooth loss and even bone loss. Even the initial stages of gum disease can be painful and unsightly, causing red, puffy gums.

You can avoid gum disease by developing some good dental habits.

Brush
Brushing your teeth properly at least twice a day may sound pretty basic, but most people don’t do it consistently or effectively. If you only spend about 30 seconds brushing your teeth, you are leaving too many bacteria in place and probably some food particles and plaque. To truly get your teeth clean you need to brush for about two minutes.

It is common to miss the same spots every time you brush, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply and excrete their acidic wastes. This creates plaque, which will harden into tartar if not brushed away. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing, only by a professional cleaning. It has tiny sharp edges which irritate your gums and cause bleeding when you do brush. Brushing harder or using a stiffer brush doesn’t help. That can cause the gums to bleed and even recede. The key is to be both thorough and gentle when brushing.

Floss
If you want healthy teeth and gums, you can’t skip flossing. A brush cannot reach between teeth. If you don’t floss, bacteria and plaque will build up in these crevices, causing decay and eventually creating gum disease.

Dye tablets
Even if you’re sure you are doing everything right, try using dye tablets every now and then to see if you are really getting your teeth clean. You may be surprised to see how much you miss. Dye tablets use a harmless red dye which stains the plaque on your teeth. Use them after brushing and flossing to see what’s left behind.

Dye tablets are a fun way to teach your kids to brush and floss properly!

The right amount of fluoride
Fluoride can protect your teeth and gums, but too much can cause tooth discoloration and has been linked to gum disease.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Bacteria flourish in relatively dry mouths. Drinking water throughout the day will help you avoid dry mouth and will reduce plaque buildup on your teeth.

Eat a healthy diet
Good nutrition helps your teeth and gums stay strong and healthy. Eat a varied and balanced diet and make sure that you get plenty of Vitamin C, folic acid, and zinc. A strong immune system is necessary to fight off gum disease and keep it at bay.

Regular cleanings
Good dental hygiene at home will minimize the spread of bacteria and the damage done by their acidic excretions. In turn, this will prevent formation of tartar which causes gums to bleed, allowing bacteria to possibly enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body. But consistent brushing and flossing doesn’t usually remove as much plaque and debris as a professional cleaning. Regular professional cleanings will help keep your teeth whiter and free of excessive bacteria, and will ensure that if any problem is developing it will be spotted early.

Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro, serving Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and other East Valley Cities in Arizona, combines LVI training and state-of-the-art technology to bring you, and your entire family, the very best and healthiest cosmetic , general, neuromuscular, and pediatric dentistry solutions. You can learn more by reading our Hygiene Habits page and our Pediatric Dentistry page. Contacting us today to schedule your child’s initial gum disease prevention consultation.