Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a condition that impacts the gums and bones that support the teeth and, if left unrelated, can lead to debilitating pain, tooth loss, and other serious health problems. The good news is that we can prevent gum disease with the right care, maintenance, and regular visits to our dentists' offices. Here's how you can start fighting gum disease today.

Create a Routine for Brushing and Flossing

Good oral hygiene will give you a great foundation for overall oral health and prevent things like periodontal disease from ever popping up. Best of all, you can get started today with improving your oral hygiene by simply putting together a solid brushing and flossing regimen. We recommend brushing and flossing twice a day, after meals, if possible. When flossing, pay special attention to those hard-to-reach areas under the gum line that your toothbrush can't reach.

Adopt a Healthy Diet

Good dietary habits can also go a long way in preventing gum disease or other health ailments. Here, however, the goal is to limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can really contribute to plaque buildup. The less you eat these foods, the less you have to worry about the formation of plaque that will lead to potential periodontal disease. Also, while not a food, cigarettes are another thing to avoid. Smokers are estimated to be twice as likely to develop periodontal disease as non-smokers due to the habit of reducing oxygen in the bloodstream, suppressing the immune system, and negatively impacting the normal functions of your periodontal cells.

Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

Routine dental visits are the best way for anyone to ensure good oral hygiene habits. Check that your teeth and gums are in the best shape they can be with the help of local professionals. Did you know that, according to reports from Forbes, over 40% of American adults are believed to have some sort of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease? Fortunately, routine dental visits include tartar removal and recommendations on how to best keep future oral issues at bay.

When was the last time you talked with a dental professional about your teeth and gums? If the answer is anything more than a year, then consider this an indication that the time for a visit is near! Contact our dentist offices today to schedule with Shoreview Dental.