Preventing Gum Disease

Keeping your gums healthy doesn’t have to be difficult.

When was the last time you considered the health of your gums? Most people really don’t think twice about whether their gums are healthy or not. After all, if they aren’t causing you problems then they must be fine, right? Unfortunately, gum disease doesn’t typically show symptoms until the more advanced stages, which means it’s even more important that you are practicing good oral hygiene to protect your smile against gum disease. Along with visiting our Lorain, OH, family dentist Dr. Jennifer Robb for routine cleanings twice a year, here are some other ways to reduce your risk for periodontitis,

Brush After Eating

While everyone should be brushing at least twice a day, if you really want to protect your gums from gum disease then you may want to brush your teeth after eating. This can prevent plaque from building up on teeth and along the gum line, which can lead to cavities and periodontal disease. Make sure that when you brush that you are brushing all surfaces of your teeth (front, back and chewing surfaces).

Floss Daily

While brushing is a crucial component to any good oral care routine it isn’t the only habit that you should be practicing without fail. You should also be flossing every day. While brushing can remove plaque and food particles from many surfaces of your teeth and gums it won’t be able to get between teeth.

Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

Check your toothbrush and see if the bristles are starting to fray. If they are then this is a telltale sign that it’s time to replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head, if you have an electric toothbrush). An old toothbrush head won’t be able to properly clean your teeth, plus the frayed bristles can actually scratch and wear down tooth enamel.

Use Mouthwash

While mouthwash should never be used in place of brushing or flossing, adding mouthwash to your daily oral care routine can provide some benefits. Our Lorain, OH, dentist can recommend different types of mouthwashes depending on your specific oral needs; however, look for an antimicrobial mouthwash that is low in alcohol and has the ADA seal of approval. An antimicrobial mouthwash will help to reduce plaque buildup and also rinse away bacteria responsible for decay and gum disease.

Are you looking for a dentist in Lorain, OH, that can provide you with routine checkups, gum disease therapy and other dental care? If so, call our office today at (440) 960-1940 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about the full-spectrum dental care we offer.