You’ve probably heard of gum disease, but you might not quite understand how prevalent it is. According to data from the CDC, almost half of adults age 30 and older have some form of gum disease, and this percentage rises to 70% for those age 65 and older. Also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, gum disease is a condition that results in painful, inflamed gums. If left untreated, it can have serious adverse health consequences for your mouth and even your immune system.
The good news is that while gum disease is extremely common, it is also preventable. Here are our top 4 ways to prevent developing periodontal disease.
1. Maintain a Healthy Diet
What you put in your mouth, unsurprisingly, has a large effect on your oral health. A diet that is high in sugar and processed carbohydrates provides ample fuel for bacteria in your mouth to produce plaque. If you are deficient in vitamin C, or don’t consume enough water, you are also putting your teeth at a disadvantage when it comes to their defense against bacteria.
Make sure you are avoiding foods with high amounts of sugar, as well as drinks like soda with harsh acids that can damage your teeth. Staying hydrated is also a great way to give your teeth a wash without having to brush your teeth after each meal.
2. Know Your Medications
A little-known factor in the development of gum disease is sometimes your current medications. Consult your doctor as to the most common side effects of each of your medications – some may make your gums more sensitive or inflamed, which could pave the way for plaque buildup and oral pain.
3. Kick Bad Habits
Certain habits, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, will also introduce contaminants into your oral cavity. This will put you at a much more elevated risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which will undoubtedly lead to the need for corrective dental procedures. Cigarettes interfere with the normal functioning of your gum tissues and can set the stage for gum disease to take hold. If you are not a smoker or tobacco user, you are already taking a key step towards staving off gum disease.
4. Level Up Your Oral Hygiene
As you might have guessed, the most common cause of gum disease is undoubtedly plaque buildup. Plaque naturally accumulates on your teeth as a result of the bacteria in your mouth; thus, gum disease is often caused by poor oral hygiene.
Thankfully, your best defense against plaque is right at your fingertips. Proper oral hygiene is the most effective preventive measure, and can be easily learned and improved. Make sure you are brushing twice per day with an effective toothbrush, as well as flossing before you brush.
We recommend the Grïppi toothbrush, which is specifically and medically designed to contact your gum line at a 45 degree angle for optimal performance and health. Browse the various brush options that Grïppi offers on their website to experience a proper clean and give your smile a makeover: www.getgrippi.com
Prioritize Your Oral Health with Accent Dental Group
Partnering with the right professionals is an instrumental step towards keeping your teeth healthy. At Accent Dental Group, our friendly staff and advanced dental technology will provide all the tools and advice you need to give your smile the shine it deserves. Our dentists can help diagnose any problem areas in your oral cavity, answer lingering questions you have about procedures or oral care, as well as prescribe the treatment that’s right for you. Find out more at our website: accentdentalgroup.com.