It’s not too late to make another New Year’s resolution. If you’re still on the hunt for a good practice to adopt in 2025, why not focus on gum disease prevention? More than 42% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can cause bad breath, receding gums, bleeding gums, and even tooth loss. And it doesn’t just affect your oral health. Periodontal disease can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia.
The good part is that you can take action this year to protect your oral health. Here, Mehrnoosh Darj, DDS, shares four ways to avoid gum disease and explains how the team at Dr. Darj Dental in El Paso, Texas, can help if you spot the warning signs.
Gum disease prevention starts in your bathroom. Brushing and flossing remove the bacteria and plaque that contribute to gum disease.
You might be tempted to use a hard-bristled brush to scrub away plaque, but vigorous brushing can damage your tooth enamel and your gums. Instead, pair a soft-bristled brush with fluoride toothpaste.
Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle, and brush gently along your gumline where plaque tends to build up. Brush for two minutes each time.
Floss once a day to remove food and plaque from places where your toothbrush alone can’t reach. When you skip flossing, that leaves about 40% of your tooth surfaces uncleaned!
If you have a dental crown that creates a tight space between teeth or you have dexterity issues, consider pre-threaded flossers, interdental brushes, or other flossing tools to make the job easier. You might also consider a water flosser.
Routine dental cleanings and exams aren’t just for your teeth. They’re for your gums, too! During your checkup, our team can remove plaque and tartar that you might miss at home. This alone can help prevent gum inflammation and infection.
In addition to removing plaque and tartar, your checkup also allows us to look for any red flags. The earliest stage of gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible, so if we can catch it early, you can get started with the right treatment quickly.
What you eat affects your overall health, and your gums are no exception. Consider eating more:
Limit sugary and starchy foods, which feed the bacteria that cause plaque buildup in your mouth.
Smoking is a leading cause of gum disease because it weakens your immune system and reduces blood flow to your gums. Smoking can make it harder for your gums to heal even if you’re actively treating gum disease.
Quitting can also reduce your risk of oral cancer.
Stress, too, can contribute to gum disease by affecting your immune response. Find a stress management technique that resonates with you and incorporate it into your daily routine.
If you spot the early signs of gum disease — swollen, red, bleeding gums — make an appointment as soon as possible. Dr. Darj first assesses your gums, measures your periodontal pockets to see how far your gums pulled away from your teeth, and determines the stage and degree of your gum disease.
Depending on this information, she may recommend:
Swift treatment can help reverse gum disease in the case of gingivitis or slow down its progression in the case of periodontitis. In either case, the right treatment from the team at Dr. Darj Dental can help reduce your risk of tooth loss from gum disease.
Commit to taking care of your gums this year. If you have questions about gum disease prevention or you’d like to schedule your dental exam and cleaning, call Dr. Darj Dental today at 915-213-3767.
