5 Daily Habits That Can Prevent Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common oral health problem, but there are things you can do to avoid it. Since the consequences of gum disease can include tooth loss and even damage to your jaw bone, it is worth taking action today to reduce your risk. These five daily habits, in addition to regular dentist appointments, can help to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

1. Brush Thoroughly

You probably already brush your teeth every day, but do you brush thoroughly enough to keep gum disease at bay? Most people brush for less than the recommended two minutes, and many do not use the correct technique.

To make the most of your daily brush, be sure to hold your brush at an angle of 45 degrees to the gum as you clean the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth. This stimulates the gums and cleans away plaque from around the gum line.

Investing in an electric toothbrush that has a timer is an easy way of making sure you brush for the right amount of time. Some toothbrushes pulse every 30 seconds to let you know when it is time to move onto the next quadrant of your mouth.

2. Floss

Brushing alone is not enough to keep your mouth healthy. Toothbrush bristles cannot reach into the tiny spaces between teeth. This means that plaque can hide there and harden into tartar, which is a major risk factor for gum disease. By flossing your teeth every day, you can get rid of this plaque and keep your risk of gum disease as low as possible.

3. Drink Water

Sipping water throughout the day helps to keep your mouth moist. This is important because a dry mouth is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Water is a better choice than juice or soda because it contains no sugar, which can encourage the growth of bacteria. Carry a water bottle with you and sip from it during the day.

4. Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing gum not only freshens your breath; it also stimulates the salivary glands to make more saliva. Enzymes in saliva limit the growth of bacteria, so you could reduce your risk of gum disease by enjoying a piece of gum after every meal. Be sure to choose gum that contains a tooth-friendly sweetener, such as xylitol or sorbitol, instead of sugar.

5. Eat Whole Fruits and Vegetables

When you bite into a crunchy apple or carrot, chewing forces travel through your gums and jaw. These forces stimulate healthy blood flow in the gums and strengthen the bone. Meanwhile, the abrasive action of natural fruit and vegetable fibres against the teeth can help to scrub away plaque. It's no substitute for cleaning your teeth, but adding raw fruits and veggies to your daily diet can help to keep teeth and gums healthy.