Proven Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is something that many Canadians will experience, to varying degrees, in their lifetime. Although the term sounds scary and untreated gum disease can be dangerous, there are certainly ways you can protect against it!

What is Gum Disease?

The gumline is the soft pink tissue that holds your teeth in place and anchors them to the underlying bone. Unfortunately for us, this is also the perfect substrate for bacteria to grow on. Bacterial growth manifests itself as dental plaques, which need to be removed by brushing and flossing. If left to its own devices, plaque can harden into tartar, which won’t be removed by brushing and needs to be cleaned off by a dental hygienist. Bacteria can then infect your gums and cause inflammation, leading to gingivitis. As the inflammation worsens, you may start to notice that your gums bleed easily. In the later stages, the bone may be affected too, compromising the structural integrity of the tooth.

Brushing Your Teeth

It should be clear now that brushing your teeth and gums is crucial in helping to remove dental plaque and prevent the buildup of tartar. Take care not to brush too vivaciously, as vigorous brushing can scratch and damage your gum line. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and move the brush in gentle circles. If you’ve opted for an electric toothbrush, spend enough time on the surface of each tooth for the brush to do its job,

Mouthwash and Floss

Along with brushing, flossing and mouthwash are your best friends in the fight against gum disease. Floss will allow you to scrape away any residual plaque, or plaque that’s hiding in a hard to reach area that a brush isn’t able to get at. Mouthwash is a great way to round out your oral hygiene routine by wiping out any last bacterial traces. As a plus, it’ll also leave your mouth feeling clean and your breath fresh!

While gum disease can be serious, it’s also easily preventable and highly treatable. Practicing healthy brushing habits at home is a simple yet effective way of preventing yourself from the dangers of gum disease. Of course, any good oral healthcare regime should be paired with regular dental checkups! Have any further questions? Centennial Smiles is here to help! Reach us at (587) 317-7959 today!