What Can I Do at Home To Prevent Gum Disease?

Woman smiling at camera while sitting on a dentist's treatment chair
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Preventing inflammation around your gums starts with your at-home oral hygiene routine. Gum disease or periodontitis is a gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone if not treated promptly. Gum disease is a slow process and can advance in some cases before you notice there is an issue. The advancement process is typically painless, and attending your regular exams in our office is key to making sure your gums and teeth are healthy.

Daily oral hygiene at home helps to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and can prevent gum disease from developing. Brushing and flossing daily are ways to keep your mouth looking and feeling great, and also minimize your risk for developing gum disease.

When patients visit our office we discuss your oral health and recommend changes to your oral care routine at home if we see a need for improvement. Our highly trained staff can develop a personalized care program for you to follow at home.

At-Home Oral Hygiene Recommendations To Prevent Gum Disease

  • Attend regular dental exams to remove plaque buildup and tartar, as well as to detect any signs of gum disease early.
  • Brush for two to three minutes at least twice a day, and make sure to brush along the gum line.
  • Use a toothpaste with fluoride to help prevent cavities.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque from in-between your teeth and places where your toothbrush cannot reach.
  • Use a mouth rinse that can help to rinse away and reduce plaque buildup.
  • Avoid any tobacco products that can cause gum disease.
  • Follow a healthy diet and avoid foods and drinks with high levels of sugar.
  • Exercise regularly
  • Make sure to have cavities and any other issues fixed as soon as possible.

Part of our cleaning and exam process is to perform a detailed evaluation of the gums. We will discuss both the health of your teeth and gums and recommend treatment if necessary. Your oral health is our priority, and our staff is here to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Looking To Make an Appointment?

If you are interested in making an appointment or notice an issue with the health of your gums such as bleeding or irritation we encourage you to visit our office. Prevention is important, and treating symptoms early can help avoid more serious issues in the future.

To schedule your appointment please contact our office, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.