5 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Gum Disease

5 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Gum Disease

Even if your teeth are free of cavities, you can still have unhealthy gums. And if your gums aren’t healthy, you’re at risk for gum disease. 

Gum disease — also referred to as periodontal disease — is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t remove plaque from your teeth daily, it can harden into tartar that is impossible to remove on your own. Once tartar is allowed to build up under your gums, it leads to gum disease.

If gum disease goes untreated, it can severely damage not only your gums but also the jawbone that lies beneath them. Destruction of gum tissue and jawbone can lead to permanent tooth loss. Thankfully, you can do plenty of things on your own to prevent the onset of gum disease. 

Because Saeed Mokhayeri, DDS and Hengameh Safarcherati, DDS and the rest of our team at Arya Dental in Fullerton, California, are so passionate about preventative dentistry, we’ve provided five ways you can lower your risk of gum disease in this month’s blog.

1. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

The best time to brush your teeth is right after you eat. Brushing right after you eat ensures you can remove food particles effectively before they have the opportunity to wreak havoc on your gums. Use an electric toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride to maximize plaque removal.

2. Floss regularly

While brushing your teeth is important, it won’t be as effective on its own. Flossing helps remove all the plaque and food debris that gets stuck between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach by itself. It doesn’t matter when you floss; just make sure you do it at least once each day.

3. Use a therapeutic mouthwash

Therapeutic mouthwashes can help remove bacteria and debris that are missed with toothbrushes and floss. Mouthwash can also reduce tartar buildup and prevent the development of gum disease. You can find therapeutic mouthwashes at your local drugstore.

4. Quit smoking

Smoking negatively affects your health in almost every aspect, and your gums are not exempt. Not only can smoking speed up the development of gum disease, but the habit can also weaken your immune system and make it much more difficult to fight off an infection or recover from any subsequent gum damage.  

5. See us for regular dental cleanings

If you’re in our office regularly, our team can spot the early signs of gum disease and treat it before the infection has had time to do irreversible damage. Plus, the tools we utilize in our office are the only things that can effectively remove tartar and mitigate your risk of developing gum disease. 

To schedule a dental cleaning or to learn more about how to prevent gum disease, call our office at 714-646-9546 or book an appointment online today.



You Might Also Enjoy...

How Dental Veneers Can Transform Your Smile

The perfect smile is largely a Hollywood myth. The average person has several different dental flaws they’d like to revise. A single procedure with the power to transform many of these mild-to-moderate problems comes in the form of dental veneers.
The Many Benefits of Bridges

The Many Benefits of Bridges

Do you have missing teeth? Trying to navigate your dental replacement options can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Take a moment to learn about bridges and see how this flexible solution could solve all your problems.

Getting Started with Invisalign: What to Expect

Invisalign® relies on clear aligner trays to gently and gradually straighten teeth, correct bite misalignments, and create a beautiful smile. Here’s what to expect when you’re getting started with this innovative orthodontic treatment.