When we don’t take proper care of our smiles, our gums can become inflamed. Soon, you may suffer from gingivitis and with this, a higher risk of periodontal disease. How do you prevent gum problems from developing? By taking better care of your smile and undergoing preventive treatments, you can help reduce the risk of gingivitis and gum disease.
Ways to Avoid Gum Problems
- See Your Dentist for a Cleaning: Every six months you should visit the dentist to receive a dental cleaning. A cleaning removes plaque buildup from the teeth. Otherwise, plaque will irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, often a precursor to the onset of periodontal disease.
- Don’t Ignore Bleeding: If you notice your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss, or if your gums appear red or feel sore, then contact your dentist. The discomfort could be a warning sign of gingivitis and immediate treatment is necessary to avoid the onset of gum disease.
- Use the Right Toothbrush: You should brush your teeth twice a day with a soft bristled toothbrush. We recommend soft bristles because brushing too hard with medium or hard bristles can actually irritate the gums and weaken the outer layer of tooth enamel. You should always brush to reduce the severity of plaque buildup between dental cleanings.
- Always Floss: Floss is the only way to remove food particles caught between teeth. Without floss, the food particles will be broken down, leading to plaque buildup and a greater risk of periodontal problems. You should floss your teeth once a day, right before you go to bed.
If you have any questions about avoiding periodontal problems, then please contact our office today. We can identify the presence of gingivitis or gum disease and offer treatment to restore the health of your gums.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA, NY, DENTIST:
Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, a native New Yorker, has welcomed patients and families from in and around Astoria, NY (including Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities) since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Leibowitz, call our office in Astoria today at 718-728-8320.
