Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, painful infections, and even contribute to other serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, with proper oral care, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease. In this blog, we will break down four key practices that can help you maintain healthy gums and prevent periodontal disease. Each of these practices is based on expert advice and tips from reliable sources.

Brush Twice a Day with the Right Technique

Brushing your teeth is one of the most basic and effective ways to prevent periodontal disease. However, it’s not just about brushing twice a day; it’s also about how you brush. Using the correct technique when brushing can make a big difference in removing plaque and keeping your gums healthy.

When you brush, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Hard bristles can be too abrasive for your gums and enamel, potentially causing damage over time. You should hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. This allows you to gently clean both your teeth and gumline, where plaque tends to accumulate. Short, gentle strokes should be used, focusing on each section of your mouth for about 30 seconds. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, as bacteria can build up there and contribute to oral health issues.

It’s important to spend at least two minutes brushing each time, twice a day. Many people rush through brushing, thinking that a quick scrub will do the job. But dedicating the full two minutes ensures you thoroughly clean every area of your mouth. Electric toothbrushes with built-in timers can be helpful for making sure you hit that two-minute mark.

Regular, proper brushing is your first line of defense against gum disease, as it helps remove the plaque that can harden into tartar and cause gum inflammation. Remember, while brushing might seem simple, doing it correctly is key to preventing periodontal problems down the road.

Don’t Skip Flossing

Many people think brushing alone is enough to maintain good oral health, but that’s not the case. Flossing is an equally important step in preventing periodontal disease. While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, it cannot reach the areas between your teeth and below the gumline, where food particles and plaque often hide. When plaque builds up between teeth, it can harden into tartar, which is much harder to remove and can only be taken off by a dentist. Tartar buildup near the gums is a key contributor to periodontal disease. Flossing helps you get rid of this plaque before it has a chance to turn into tartar.

You should floss at least once a day, and it’s best to do so before brushing. This way, any debris or plaque you dislodge can be brushed away afterward. When flossing, be gentle to avoid hurting your gums. Use about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most of it around each middle finger, leaving about 1-2 inches to work with. Slide the floss between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion and curve it around each tooth in a “C” shape, making sure to go beneath the gumline without snapping or forcing the floss.

If traditional flossing is difficult or uncomfortable, there are alternatives like floss picks or water flossers. Water flossers, in particular, use a stream of water to clean between teeth and can be easier for people with braces or other dental work. The key is to find a flossing method that works for you and stick with it consistently.

Skipping flossing allows plaque to build up in areas your toothbrush can’t reach, which can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding, and eventually, periodontal disease. So, make flossing a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

Regular Dental Checkups Are Key

Even with a perfect brushing and flossing routine, regular dental checkups are still essential for preventing periodontal disease. No matter how diligent you are with your oral care at home, professional cleanings and checkups allow your dentist to spot early signs of gum disease that you might not notice.  Ideally, you should visit your dental office at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings.

At these visits, your dentist or hygienist will remove tartar buildup, which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. Tartar, once it forms, can lead to gum inflammation and provide a breeding ground for bacteria that contribute to periodontal disease. A professional cleaning will ensure your teeth and gums stay free from tartar and other harmful substances.

During these checkups, your dentist will also examine your gums for any signs of gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If caught early, gingivitis is usually reversible with proper care. However, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause permanent damage to the tissues and bones supporting your teeth.

Regular dental visits also give your dentist the chance to review your oral hygiene routine and provide personalized advice on how to improve it. They might suggest specific tools, such as interdental brushes or antibacterial mouthwashes, to better target areas of concern. By keeping up with regular dental checkups, you can catch periodontal disease early and avoid more invasive treatments later on.

Quit Smoking for Healthier Gums

If you’re a smoker, you probably already know that quitting can benefit your lungs and heart. But did you know that smoking is also a major risk factor for periodontal disease? Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections like gum disease. When you smoke, the blood flow to your gums decreases, which can impair healing and leave your gums more vulnerable to infections. This can lead to more advanced forms of periodontal disease, including bone loss and tooth loss. Treatments for gum disease may be less effective for smokers because their immune systems are compromised.

Quitting smoking can drastically improve your gum health. Within weeks of quitting, your gums will start to heal, and the inflammation caused by smoking will begin to subside. Over time, your risk of developing periodontal disease will decrease, and any treatment for existing gum problems will become more effective. If quitting seems daunting, there are many resources available, from nicotine replacement therapies to support groups. Your dentist can also offer guidance and tips on quitting smoking for better oral health. Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health, including the health of your gums.

Conclusion

By brushing and flossing daily, visiting your dentist regularly, and quitting smoking, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease. While gum disease can be serious, it’s also preventable with a commitment to proper oral care. Make these habits part of your daily routine, and you’ll be protecting not only your teeth and gums but also your overall health. A healthy mouth is a gateway to a healthy body, so take the time to care for your gums today for a healthier tomorrow.

Bloomingdale Dentistry is your home for all your dental needs. We make sure all of your needs are met. Schedule an appointment today!