Posted by the author on July 30th, 2009
Gum disease, most commonly referred to as Gingivitis, is a disease that most people have heard of at some time in their life, and one that nearly everyone fears getting. However, most people know very little about gum disease, including the fact that gum disease might be linked to causing strokes and heart disease. As you can imagine, it’s very important to prevent this disease if possible.
So how exactly does one go about preventing gum disease? The easiest response is simply by practicing the good oral hygiene that every doctor recommends: brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use a mouth wash. When you brush your teeth, try to use an electric toothbrush with at least rotating action because it is proven to remove more plaque than a traditional toothbrush. It is also recommended that you use toothpaste that contains fluoride because that helps prevent your teeth from decaying.
Another good way to help prevent gum disease is by drinking the 8 cups of water a day that is already recommended. This is because water aids saliva production and saliva neutralizes the bacteria responsible for causing gum disease.
Avoiding using tobacco products is another useful step. Tobacco users have a substantially higher risk of contracting gum disease than non-tobacco users.
Eating a healthy diet can also decrease your risk for gum disease. Your diet should include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits as well as keeping fat and sodium to a minimum. Cheeses, peanuts, and milk are especially good for your teeth because they help protect against plaque.
Finally, be sure to visit your periodontist in Chicago every six months for routine check ups. Only your dentist can be certain that your oral hygiene is up to par, and it is also a good opportunity for you to voice any questions or concerns about oral hygiene that you may have, including recommending certain brands of toothpaste or mouth wash.
Remember, oral hygiene is your best defense against gum disease and it’s important to your overall health, too.
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