Gum disease is never a good thing. Prevention is always the best approach when it comes to your dental health. It is far easier to prevent issues from ever happening than it is to reverse them after they have already occurred. Here are 5 ways that you can prevent gum disease.

1. Brush

Brushing is one of the most important aspects of dental hygiene. It is necessary to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. This will help to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth. It is vital that your toothbrush be the last thing to touch your teeth at night. This will prevent the bacteria from accumulating and damaging your teeth as you sleep.

2. Floss

Flossing must be done daily. Food particles can become stuck between your teeth, out of reach of your toothbrush. Flossing can help remove these particles before they cause a significant amount of damage.

3. Regular Dental Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings are another important aspect of protecting your teeth and preventing gum disease. A dentist will be able to clean your teeth more thoroughly than you can, even removing substances like tartar. They will also be able to detect issues with your oral health in the early stages, which will make the problems much easier to reverse. Dental cleanings should be obtained every 6 months.

4. Fluoridated Mouthwash

Fluoride is a mineral that can significantly help strengthen your teeth. The mineral binds to the teeth and helps them become stronger. Mouthwash is also capable of killing a good amount of the bacteria in your mouth. This should never be used as a replacement for brushing and flossing, but mouthwash is a valuable addition to your oral hygiene routine.

5. Avoid Sugar

Not only does excessive sugar hurt your teeth, but the way you consume sugar can also hurt your teeth. Limit the amount of sugary foods you eat or drink throughout the day and try to brush your teeth 30 minutes after consuming these products. If you choose to drink soda, drink it in one sitting rather than sipping on it throughout the day.

Preventing gum disease will help you be much healthier overall. These steps are all necessary to help you prevent significant damage from occurring to your teeth. To schedule your regular dental cleaning, contact us at Leavitt Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today!