Nearly half of all adults suffer from some form of gum disease. Although there are a number of factors that contribute to gum disease, the number one factor is poor or insufficient oral hygiene. At Country Club Dental Flagstaff, we highly encourage our patients to take preventative precautions to avoid oral health issues, rather than waiting to treat them once they have occurred. Although the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed if caught in time, advanced gum disease is permanent and may result in tooth loss. So how can you keep your gums healthy on a daily basis? We have a few recommendations.
1. Floss, Floss, Floss
You may or may not be convinced that this simple action can improve your oral health, but take it from your dentists: flossing is a must! Brushing twice daily is imperative to maintaining healthy teeth, but as you would imagine, brushing alone can’t remove all plaque buildup from between your teeth and the small pockets just under your gum line. When you floss at least once a day—we recommend the evening—you not only remove food particles that can become lodged between your teeth throughout the course of the day, but you gently scrape away harmful bacteria and plaque.
2. Properly Brush Your Teeth
It goes without saying that the minimum standard of oral health care is to brush twice a day. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes not only get your teeth cleaner, but they are also gentler on your gums. Brushing your teeth too vigorously and/or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum recession. Electric toothbrushes are designed to clean your teeth optimally without damaging your teeth or gums.
3. Drink Lots of Water
Consuming a sufficient amount of water every day is not just about staying hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day helps to clear food particles and harmful bacteria from the teeth and gums. It also boosts saliva production—your saliva contains minerals that help strengthen the teeth and gums and keep bacteria at bay.
4. Use Flouride-Enhanced Toothpaste
Fluoride has recently become a bad word in some circles, and for good reason. The over fluoridation of our water has been noted as a potential health concern by publications such as Harvard Public Health. Fluoride-enhanced toothpaste, on the other hand, poses no threat to an individual’s health. In fact, studies show that fluoride in toothpaste helps to remineralize tooth enamel and protect gums from harmful bacteria.
5. Quit Tobacco Use
The use of tobacco products greatly increases the buildup of plaque and tartar, which leads to gum disease and cavities. Smokers are diagnosed with gum disease at twice the rate non-smokers are. Smoking also inhibits the healing process if the gums are damaged. If it’s within your power to do so, we highly recommend kicking the habit of tobacco use to the curb.
Local Dentist in Flagstaff
At Country Club Dental, our goal is to see your teeth and gums stay strong and white as part of living an overall healthy and vibrant life. When you effectively reduce dental plaque and tartar, you also reduce the likelihood of developing tooth decay and gum disease. We’re a family-friendly office that sees patients of all ages, from age 3 all the way up to 103! Call us today to schedule your next cleaning or dental procedure: 928-526-4314.
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash (10/14/2020)
