Simple Ways Dental Mindfulness Can Help Prevent You from Developing Gum Disease
There has been a lot of discussion of mindfulness techniques and the importance of taking time for yourself. While many people think of mindfulness and imagine meditating or using essential oils, the truth is that there are some mindful options that can actually help you prevent gum disease. Keep reading to learn more and then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you would like to visit a dentist.
The Impact of Gum Disease
When gum disease first starts, it is gingivitis. This is a relatively minor stage of gum disease that involves bleeding gums and inflammation. If you catch it at this point, you can reverse it by simply improving your at-home oral health care routine. However, if it is left to fester and it becomes more serious, it can become periodontitis, a much more serious form of gum disease that can actually lead to losing teeth and bone.
Brush Your Teeth Mindfully
Yes, you probably already brush your teeth, but how mindful are you of the practice? Do not just speed through it as something else on your list. Take the time to spend two minutes every time you brush. The purpose is to get rid of bacteria and food particles that can otherwise cause gum disease. Find a toothpaste you like, put on your favorite two-minute relaxing song, and mindfully brush your teeth at least twice per day.
Floss Mindfully
Flossing is just as important in preventing gum disease as brushing is. You could brush five times a day and still get gum disease if you are not also flossing. Why? Because there are areas of your mouth – namely between the teeth and along the gum line – that your toothbrush cannot get to. Flossing can help get this. You should floss at least once per day.
Visit Your Dentist Twice Per Year
Much of the important work of preventing gum disease is done in your home during your daily care schedule. However, you should also be visiting your dentist twice per year. During this regular exam and cleaning, we clean your teeth thoroughly and remove plaque that you cannot get rid of on your own. We also lookout for any issues that might need attention. The sooner we find any problems, the more easily we can treat them.
If you are developing the early signs of gum disease, we can go over your options and help show you how to reverse it. The sooner you talk to us and let us help you find the right oral health care routine, the better off you will be. Call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 now to find out what your options are.
