Gum disease is a common but potentially serious oral problem. The earliest stage of gum disease – gingivitis – can typically be turned around by improving your daily oral care routine. If gum disease is allowed to progress it will move from the mild form – gingivitis – to the more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis can be painful and lead to problems like receding gums and tooth loss. Some people are more prone to developing gum disease than others but it is a real threat that everyone faces. Fortunately, it is relatively simple to fight against developing gum disease.

Brush thoroughly

It should come as no surprise that brushing your teeth is a key factor when it comes to fighting against gum disease. Bacteria builds up in your mouth throughout the day and brushing is one of the steps you can take to remove that harmful bacteria. Brushing thoroughly will provide you with the most benefit when it comes to protecting against the bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Brushing thoroughly involves spending the right amount of time doing it – two minutes is the general recommendation – and being careful to get every area of your mouth.

Floss regularly

Flossing is an essential element in the fight against gum disease. Gum disease often starts to develop in areas of your mouth that are hard to reach. Flossing can get to areas between your teeth that brushing simply cannot reach. It is easy to skip out on flossing especially since the general recommendation is to floss once per day. If you really want to prevent gum disease then flossing is an absolute necessity.

Avoid smoking

Smoking is a habit that can lead to a long list of negative side effects – including gum disease. Smoking itself can damage your gums and the increased risk of gum disease can further impact your gum health. Avoiding smoking (or quitting if you currently smoke) is an important step in fighting against gum disease.

Go to preventative dental appointments

The final step in the fight against gum disease is to go to your preventative dental appointments. During preventative dental appointments you will get a thorough cleaning that helps remove things that can lead to gum disease – such as tartar. During these appointments the current health of your gums will also be assessed. If there are signs of inflammation or receding gums your dentist will recommend options for reversing those problems. Gum disease is the easiest to treat in the early stage of gingivitis. Going to your preventative dental appointments can help with prevention and the process of early intervention.

With a few intentional steps you can successfully fight against gum disease. Your daily oral care routine is an essential part of preventing gum disease from developing. If you are willing to avoid smoking and dedicated to making it to routine dental visits, you will be on your way toward a lifetime of having healthy gums.