9 Tips For Preventing Gum Disease

Unfortunately, gum disease is very common, and a leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. But it is also treatable, at Thompson and Frey Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Owensboro.

Here’s some simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

1. Brush for two to three minutes at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Scrub away the fragments of food Don’t brush too hard, but be thorough. Scrubbing your gums aggressively can be painful and is a BIG don’t.
2. Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t like to floss? Try a floss holder, which makes it much easier to insert floss between teeth. But get over your aversion to flossing, unless you want decay or gum disease.
3. Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can halt plaque accumulation and keep your enamel strong. Remember that fluoride mouth rinses are not the same as mouthwashes. Mouthwashes have alcohol and are designed to freshen breath. (But they can exacerbate dry mouth which can cause other problems.)
4. Eat a healthy diet. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A sensible diet provides the nutrients necessary (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.
5. Avoid cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, which may result in periodontitis (advanced gum disease) or oral cancer. While you’re at it, avoid E-cigs and vapors.
6. Be aware that certain medications can also threaten a healthy smile. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines. If your medications are affecting your dental health, meet with Drs. Vicki Frey.
7. Exercise preventive care and schedule regular checkups — the best way to detect early signs of gum disease and make a plan to reverse it.
8. Talk to us about dental issues such as old, broken fillings or crowded teeth.
9. If you grind your teeth, ask us about ways to protect them.

Listed above are nine ways to ensure your teeth don’t decay, or worse, fall out completely. It’s critical to brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Bonus points for brushing and/or rinsing after lunch.

Gum disease is a very serious condition, but it’s treatable here at Thompson and Frey Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Owensboro. We also offer a full range of family dentistry services. Schedule your next checkup today!

Contact Thompson & Frey Cosmetic & Family Dentistry:

270-683-0620

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

3164 Alvey Park Dr E
Owensboro, Kentucky
42303