Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the UK. At Advance Dental Clinic, we’re keen to wage war on gum disease, and encourage our patients to look after their teeth and gums. Here are 5 top tips to help you keep gum disease at bay.
- Brush your teeth twice daily: brushing is the most effective way of keeping your teeth and gums clean, and combatting harmful bacteria. When you brush, angle the head of the brush to clean along your gum line, and use gentle circular motions. Brush for two minutes twice a day, taking care to cover every surface of each individual tooth. We also recommend using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel.
- Floss: flossing is another useful cleaning technique. It helps to keep your mouth clean and fresh by removing bacteria and bits of food from the cracks between your teeth and the gum line. When you’re flossing, be gentle, and don’t pull at the tape.
- Dental checks: it’s really important to keep up to date with regular dental checks. If you see a dentist on a regular basis, your chances of developing decay and gum disease can be reduced by up to 60 percent. If you haven’t been to the dentist for a while, call us today and make an appointment.
- Give up smoking: smoking increases your risk of gum disease, as well as a host of other illnesses. If you’d like to give up smoking, we are here to help you, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
- Watch what you eat and drink: some foods and drinks are really good for your teeth, but there are plenty that can spell problems for your dental health. Try and avoid eating a lot of sugary foods and drinking sweet, acidic drinks. It’s particularly important to watch what you eat between meals.