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Woman about to brush her teeth

How to Fight Gum Disease With Proper Oral Care

Keep Smiling

Proper oral care is essential if you want to eliminate your chances of getting gum disease and maintain a great smile throughout your entire life. Gum disease can cause you to have swollen gums, constant bad breath and loose or missing teeth. If you are already suffering from gum disease, then you can reverse the effects of the condition by starting to properly care for your teeth. These are the four things you must do to maintain proper oral hygiene so you do not suffer from gum disease ever again.

Correct Brushing Techniques

Brushing your teeth twice a day will not prevent gum disease if you are not using the proper equipment and technique. Using a clean soft-bristled toothbrush is essential in proper oral care. You must also hold the toothbrush at a slight angle towards your gums before brushing in short motions. While manual toothbrushes are effective, an electric toothbrush will work better at preventing gum disease.

Use Dental Floss

A toothbrush can't reach the tight spaces between your teeth, which is why flossing is essential to proper oral care. It is simply the only way to remove food particles from between your teeth. It does not matter when you floss your teeth, but you must do it at least once a day. Most people avoid flossing because it hurts teeth, but this pain can be avoided by gently flossing.

Rinse with Mouth Wash

You may not think you have to use mouth wash if you properly clean your teeth, but it is the best way to remove plaque. Antibacterial mouth wash works to remove the bacteria found in your mouth. This bacteria forms plaque and causes gum disease if it is not removed. Mouth rinses without alcohol are the ideal choice because they give the same cleaning benefits without the burning sensations in your mouth. There is also the added benefit of having fresh breath immediately after washing out your mouth.

Regular Dental Cleanings

Now that you are properly maintaining your teeth at home, you must start scheduling regular dental cleanings. This is the only way to ensure that your teeth are as clean as possible. If you miss something with your oral care at home, then the dental cleanings will make sure the bacteria and plaque is removed from your mouth. The regular cleanings should also improve the appearance of your teeth.