Half of Americans 18 years and over suffer from varying levels of gum disease. Gum disease causes more than just swelling, bleeding, and bad breath; but can also lead to seriously dire conditions, including heart disease. Dr. David Cannon wants to be your teammate in the fight against gum disease. If you don’t yet have gum disease, Dr. Cannon and his team in Salt Lake City, UT, will work with you to prevent it. If you already have gum disease, he will present a dental plan to help reduce and eliminate the infection.
There are steps you can practice at home that will help you avoid gum disease or, if you already suffer from it, keep it in check and reduce it. You will still need to visit your dentist regularly to maintain excellent oral health, but here are some tips you can follow for at-home care as well.
Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day
It is essential to remove plaque from your teeth and from along the gum line before it can harden into inflammation and infection-causing tartar. That can be accomplished through twice a day brushing using fluoride toothpaste. Individuals who brush twice a day for at least two minutes are less prone to developing heart disease than those who skip brushing. Three times less likely! The use of fluoride toothpaste also keeps enamel from breaking down. When brushing, make sure you turn the bristles to a 45-degree angle and use a circular motion.
Floss At Least Once a Day
The American Dental Association recommends that everybody floss once a day. Despite this, it has been found that only 16 to 30% of Americans follow this recommendation. When you skip flossing, plaque is left between teeth, and the chance for decay and gum disease increases. A study performed on this subject found that those who do not floss are at a 40% increased risk of developing periodontitis (advanced gum disease).
Replace Your Toothbrush
When you are brushing twice a day, your toothbrush will wear out. Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months or whenever you notice the bristles begin to fray is all it takes. The exact schedule goes for those using an electric toothbrush. Over time, the bristles will also start accumulating bacteria that rinsing will not remove, making it necessary to replace regularly.
Dr. David Cannon and his team at Cannon Dental want to adopt healthy dental habits easy for patients. When you come in for a visit, Dr. Cannon will develop a comprehensive dental plan specific to your needs. To schedule an appointment, please call (801) 406-9985 today!
