Plaque is a sticky substance that continuously forms on the teeth and between the teeth. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day is the best way to eliminate plaque. Unfortunately, many people fail to develop a good oral healthcare routine and others forget to brush between their teeth. As plaque builds up over time, it causes the gums to gradually separate from the teeth and form small pockets. The result is gum disease, a condition that can lead to tooth loss and other problems if not treated promptly.

Common Symptoms of Gum Disease

People are often unaware that they have gum disease because they do not have any pain at first. We encourage you to schedule an appointment at Ideal Dental right away if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Your gums bleed after brushing your teeth.
• You notice that the fit of your partial dentures feels looser over time.
• Your gums appear swollen, tender, or red.
• One or more of your teeth feels loose.
• You spot pus between your teeth and gums.
• You have persistent bad breath despite daily brushing, flossing, and use of mouthwash.
• You notice that your top and bottom rows of teeth fit together differently.

You can feel discouraged to learn that you have gingivitis or gum disease when it feels like you are doing everything right with your oral health. We provide several tips in this blog that can help you improve your oral health routine to prevent or reverse gum disease.

Brush Your Teeth at the Gum Line

Plaque develops on the teeth at the gum line, and this is where gingivitis starts. However, many people neglect to brush this area at all. We recommend holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to ensure that both your teeth and gums get clean. Be sure to spend at least three minutes brushing your teeth two times a day. You also want to use dental floss to remove food particles and bacteria between your teeth at least once a day.

Store Your Toothbrush Right

The best way to store your toothbrush when not in use is in an upright position. Do not put a cover over your toothbrush since that creates a moist environment that promotes the growth of germs. Be sure to keep the toothbrush for each family member at least several inches apart when stored upright.

Scrape Your Tongue Occasionally

Bacteria and toxins can become stuck to your tongue and teeth. You can use your toothbrush or any non-sharp object to scrape from back to front at least 10 times. Some drug stores even sell products designed specifically for tongue scraping.

Consider Your Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and prolonged stress can all have a negative impact on your oral health. Examine your lifestyle closely to determine what changes you need to make to improve your overall well-being.

Schedule an Appointment

We diagnose, treat, and help people prevent gum disease every day here at Ideal Dental. Find your local Ideal Dental office today to schedule a visit.