5 Habits You Should Adopt to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is more than just sore or bleeding gums. Gum disease is a serious issue, and if it’s left untreated, it can impact your oral health — and your overall health. The American Heart Association has acknowledged the link between gum disease and increased blood pressure levels. 

In addition, gum disease can cause tender gums, receding gums, and even tooth loss. 

That’s why Dr. David Blaustein and our team of providers at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City offer periodontal maintenance to help you manage gum disease.

Gum disease is serious, but thankfully, there are healthy habits you can adopt that help prevent gum disease.

1. Give your brushing routine a makeover

There are many stages of gum disease, and gingivitis is the first stage. Often, gingivitis develops as a result of bacteria — and other debris or residue — left on your teeth. This is why proper tooth brushing is the first line of defense against gingivitis. If you need to freshen up your brushing technique, keep these tips in mind:

• Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle
• Brush each tooth surface, moving the brush in small strokes on each tooth
• Brush all chewing surfaces and along your gum line
• Brush your tongue too!

Always use a toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal, and brush twice each day.

2. Don’t skip the floss

Has flossing left you with bleeding gums? If so, this isn't a reason to skip the flossing session. Bleeding gums are the first sign of gingivitis. 

Flossing is integral in the fight against gum disease because flossing removes bacteria and plaque from between your teeth — where brushing alone can’t reach. After flossing, follow up with a mouthwash to keep your mouth even fresher.

Tip: If your gums are already bleeding or sore, give us a call.

3. Focus on your vitamins

Studies show that getting enough vitamin D each day can reduce your chance of developing gingivitis or periodontitis. While vitamin D is often included in multivitamins, you can also find vitamin D in plenty of foods, including canned salmon (with the skin and bones), fortified dairy products, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks.

4. Say no to all tobacco products

Smoking is notorious for its effects on the lungs, but it impacts oral health too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking cigarettes doubles your risk of gum disease. It’s not just the smoking, though. All tobacco — including chewing tobacco — negatively affects your gums.

5. Schedule your regular dental exam

The ADA suggests that adults and children receive a routine checkup every six months, although you may need more frequent care to monitor chronic conditions. When you come to Chelsea Dental Aesthetics for your exam, we check your gums for any red flags of gum disease. Like most diseases, it’s easiest to treat during the earliest stages, and regular dental care helps halt the progression of gum disease in its tracks.

Keep your gums healthy

At Chelsea Dental Aesthetics, we provide comprehensive dental care to help you achieve a healthy, happy smile. To schedule an appointment, give our Manhattan office a call at 917-633-7312.