How to Prevent Gum Disease & Gingivitis

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, gingivitis, or periodontitis, you can rest assured that you’re not alone. In fact, the CDC has estimated that around half of adults in America will suffer from gum disease and many will end up losing at least one tooth as a result. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss amount American adults. Males over the age of 65 are at an even higher risk than any other demographic.

However, there are steps you can take to make sure that you keep your gum tissue healthy and your teeth intact.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the gum tissue. If not removed or cleaned away, the gum tissue may become infected or pull away from the teeth, causing the teeth to become loose or even fall out. Below are a few ways to prevent gum disease from occurring:

• At-Home Oral Hygiene – Your at-home oral hygiene will go a long way toward keeping your gum tissue healthy. You need to make sure to brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes at a time. Additionally, the best way to care for your gum tissue is to floss at least once every single day.
• Dental Visits – Visiting your general dentist every six months is a great way to prevent gum disease and catch any problems early on when they may be easier to treat. Dental cleanings are also the only way to remove tartar from the teeth, which can be a huge irritant to gum tissue.
• Avoid Tobacco – Lastly, smoking and chewing tobacco have been shown to greatly increase the odds of developing gum disease. We recommend either staying away from tobacco altogether or quitting this habit as quickly as possible.

Here at Coastal Periodontics, your gum health is our main concern. If you’re concerned about your gum health or believe that you may be suffering from some form of gum disease, please don’t hesitate to contact our Portsmouth, New Hampshire periodontics office today.