The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that evidence
exists that links bacteria in our mouth, present when there is
gum disease is linked to the occurrence of heart disease
including artery blockages and the increased risk for stroke.

On a daily basis you can actively prevent gum disease by brushing
your teeth properly to remove plaque, use a fluoride toothpaste
to help prevent tooth decay, floss your teeth daily so that you
can rid your teeth of the plaque in between them that your
toothbrush misses, and by using a antimicrobial mouth rinse to
provide extra help with plaque control. It is also important to
have your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year when you have
your dental exams. These dental exams can catch gum disease in
the early stage when it is reversible.

Eating healthy foods, drinking enough water daily and limiting
the amounts of sweets you eat are also important parts of your
oral hygiene. If you are a smoker, seriously consider quitting to
help improve your oral health.

If you are in a situation where brushing is impossible you can
still help prevent gum disease by rinsing your mouth with water
after eating. Rinsing your mouth with water, can reduce the
bacteria in your mouth by as much as 30%.

The best times to brush your teeth are after meals and at
bedtime. Ask your dental hygienist to show you the proper way to
brush and floss to be sure that you are doing all you can to
prevent gum disease. Don’t forget to scrub your tongue, as
bacteria love to hang out on the back of your tongue.

After brushing rinse your toothbrush thoroughly to rid it of the
food particles you just brushed off to prevent them from
re-depositing the next time you put it into your mouth.

Use a soft toothbrush to decrease your chance for gum
irritation.

If you don’t floss daily now, develop this habit to help prevent
gum disease. Brushing alone cannot get the plaque that gets
between your teeth. Flossing can reach these places that
otherwise would be breeding grounds for bacteria that causes gum
disease.

Use dental products that have the Seal of Acceptance from the
Amerian Dental Association (ADA) to be sure that the products you
use are safe and effective in preventing gum disease.

Certain toothpastes do more than just remove dental stains and
food particles from your teeth, they can also reduce the amount
of plaque present in your mouth. Some toothpastes are designed to
help reduce calculus (tartar), but only above your gum line. It
is important to avoid the toothpastes that contain abrasives that
can add to gum disease as well as all tooth whiteners that are
made of carbamide peroxide, because this chemical can breakdown
into hydrogen peroxide, which can cause damage to your gums.

Make sure that the floss you use does not shred or fray when
used, because this could irritate gums.

Do not use oral irrigators (water spraying devices) alone without
brushing, as they will not remove plaque from your teeth. You
must still brush and floss when using these devices.

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