At Furumoto Dentistry, we strive to provide quality oral care to all of our patients. Part of our practice is to educate patients on what to do outside the office, and how they can upkeep their oral health daily at home. Of course, part of having strong teeth is to have strong gums as well. Gingivitis is a common problem we dentists treat all the time; it is a mild form of gum disease that can, if not treated properly, can lead to tooth loss. To prevent gum disease, it’s important to upkeep your oral hygiene regime. Learn how you can below.
- Brush & Floss Properly- It should take you at least two minutes to brush your teeth in the morning and at night. To thoroughly clean your teeth, do gentle, circular, and scrubbing motions. Also, don’t forget to floss! Flossing lets you eliminate food debris and plaque that are stuck in between your teeth. Floss gently in between your teeth in up-and-down motions. Each time the floss gets to the gum line, lead it to the other tooth until you have reached the rest of your teeth. And don’t forget to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 4 months (or when the bristles become frayed).
- Use Mouthwash- To help reduce the risk of plaque, gingivitis, and tartar formation, rinse with mouthwash. A rinse can help remove food particles and debris from your mouth, though it’s not a substitute for flossing or brushing. When shopping, look for the ADA seal, which means it’s been deemed effective and safe.
- Don’t Smoke- Smoking is known to cause severe threats to human health, including the onset of gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is hard to fight a gum disease if you are a smoker because smoking weakens the immune system. Additionally, once your gums are damaged, it’s difficult to heal them no matter what needs to be done. By quitting smoking and practicing good mouth hygiene, you prevent future gum diseases and maintain fresh breaths.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly- Schedule a visit to your dentist. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums closely and give you a deep dental cleaning during your appointments (which results in healthy gums). The dentist will also be able to diagnose any problems (if you have any) and will be able to treat them accordingly.
- Use Fluoride- Use oral hygiene products that include fluoride as an active ingredient. Fluoride will help prevent cavities, tooth decay, and plaque/tartar buildup. Whether it’s toothpaste, mouthwash, or floss, fluoride will help keep your teeth protected.
- Watch What You Eat- Another way to keep your gums healthy is to watch what you eat. The food you consume greatly contributes to dental health. Eat foods that are rich in calcium, vitamins, and minerals. Calcium is particularly vital for children and elders. As much as you can, eat candies, pastries, and other sweets in low moderation. If you do happen to eat foods high in sugar and acids, rinse your mouth immediately. Or, chew on sugar-free, dentist-approved gum.
Get Preventative Dental Care At Furumoto Dentistry!
Get quality preventative dental care at Furumoto Dentistry! Contact us today to schedule your annual dental check-up. Our doctors and staff provide comprehensive dental treatments for everyone of all ages! If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our Diamond Bar, CA office. We’ll be happy to help in any way possible!