Gum disease affects thousands of adults in the UK, but the good news is that it’s preventable. Here are three easy ways to keep gum disease at bay:

1. Keep up with dental checks: we recommend 6-monthly dental checks for all our patients. Check-ups are really important, as they allow us to spot early warning signs of oral disease and perform thorough checks to identify changes in the teeth and gums. Check-ups also give us an opportunity to talk to patients about oral hygiene, answer any questions and give the teeth a good polish, so that you leave with a beautifully bright smile. With gum disease, symptoms get worse with time and early intervention is always beneficial; if we spot the early signs, such as bleeding and swollen gums, we can act before mild gum disease becomes advanced gum disease. We also recommend regular dental hygiene sessions.
2. Hone your brushing skills: an effective oral hygiene regime is the best weapon against harmful bacteria. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste and floss or use inter-dental brushes, on a daily basis. Use small circular motions when you brush your teeth and avoid brushing aggressively, as this can damage the enamel.
3. Avoid sugary and acidic foods: sugary and acidic foods and drinks increase the risk of gum disease because bacteria feed on sugars and this causes them to release acids, which irritate the gums, resulting in inflammation and pain. Acids also erode the enamel, which makes the teeth more susceptible to decay.

If you would like any information or advice about gum disease prevention, don’t hesitate to contact our dental team or speak to your dentist at your next check-up.