Tips for Preventing Gum Disease

Tips for Preventing Gum Disease

As the understanding of gum disease has grown, medical experts now know that it can increase your risk of many major health conditions including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. So it’s vital that you protect your gums to maintain good oral and general health. Dr. Bruce Hanley is a dentist at Bruce Hanley and Associates in Arlington, VA. He provides general and cosmetic dental services and can help you protect your gums from disease. Here are some tips for preventing gum disease.

• Maintain good oral hygiene practices: Good oral health starts at home. Regular brushing alone is not enough to protect your gums from periodontal disease. To provide the best protection, you should also floss at least once each day to reduce the build-up of plaque between your teeth. Using an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing can further reduce your risk of gum disease.
• Eat a healthy diet: Avoiding sugary foods and beverages can limit your risk of tooth decay and damage to your gums. Increasing your vitamin C intake can also help prevent gum disease because it can help to prevent your gums from swelling, bleeding, and receding. Staying hydrated can also produce saliva that can fight off bacteria on your teeth and gums.
• Get regular dental check-ups: This allows Dr. Hanley to recognize the early warning signs of gum disease so he can stop it in its tracks before it gets out of control.
• Quit smoking: Using tobacco products is harmful to your gum tissue and should be avoided.

If you live in or around Arlington, VA, and you would like to find out more about protecting your gums from disease, call Dr. Hanley today at (703) 524-7100 to schedule an appointment.