Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease with These Tips

Approximately half of all adults age 30 and older have some form of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is one of the biggest threats to oral health. If left untreated, it can lead to serious dental issues, including gum and bone deterioration, and eventually tooth loss. What’s more, research shows that gum disease is linked to many health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

The good news is that gum disease is highly preventable. Here, the team at Northfield Dental Group shares tips you can follow to reduce your risk of gum disease.

Brush Twice a Day

The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. It is imperative that you brush at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove food debris and plaque from all exterior surfaces of the teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue and at the gum line.

Floss Daily

Flossing is another essential part of at-home oral hygiene as it helps clean in between the teeth and other nooks and crannies that are hard to clean by regularly brushing. To floss, guide the floss between your teeth, using a gentle rubbing motion. Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth and slide it up and down. Repeat this motion against the adjacent tooth and all other teeth.

Don’t Smoke

If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you have an increased risk of developing gum disease. For the sake of your oral (and overall) health, don’t smoke.

Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

Even if you practice good oral hygiene at home, you are still at risk of developing gum disease. Routine dental exams can detect symptoms of gum disease that are not visible to the naked eye while professional cleanings with your dentist remove plaque that you may miss when brushing and flossing.

At Northfield Dental Group, we are committed to helping you and your family enjoy a lifetime of good oral health. We offer an array of preventative treatments to keep dental issues, including gum disease, at bay. If gum disease has developed, we can recommend the proper treatment based on symptoms and the stage of the disease.

To schedule a dental exam or appointment, please contact Northfield Dental Group. Call our West Orange office at (973) 736-0111.