charlotte family dentistry

 

We all know the importance of a healthy mouth, but many people are unaware of the effects poor oral hygiene can have on our bodies. Improper brushing techniques and infrequent flossing can result in gum disease, which can progress to tooth loss and cardiovascular issues.

With a shocking number of only 64.9% of adults seeing a dentist in the last year, gum disease is a common problem affecting nearly 640 million people. Some of the first signs of gum disease include red, inflamed gums, and bleeding from brushing or flossing.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to your local Charlotte family dentistry clinic at Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West Dentistry with any questions or concerns. Keep reading to learn more about the simple changes you can make to help keep both your gums and teeth healthy.

See Your Dentist Regularly

One of the easiest ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to see your Charlotte family dentistry provider at Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West Dentistry every six months. Seeing your dentist on a regular basis allows them to track your oral health and provide you with proper cleanings. Your local family dentist office will be able to complete x-rays and help with a treatment plan if you are already suffering from the effects of gum disease. Many people avoid seeing a dentist if their teeth are in pain or they are suffering from discomfort, but it is crucial that your mouth is examined promptly.

Be Sure to Floss Once per Day

Though it’s something many of us avoid, every family dental clinic will recommend daily flossing to promote healthy gums. Brushing is a great way to remove plaque buildup on teeth, but regular flossing ensures you remove food from between your teeth and prevent tartar from forming. Some people like to floss after every meal but as long as you are doing it once per day, you are helping to stop plaque from affecting your gums. Our Charlotte family dentistry services at Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West Dentistry can help teach proper flossing techniques to the whole family.

Stop Smoking

While this can be a challenge for many people, quitting smoking will help tremendously with improving overall gum health. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of periodontal disease and when your mouth is exposed to tobacco products for years, it can lead to tooth decay. Smoking tobacco and other products can cause sticky plaque to develop and cause gum issues. Your local dentist can help to prevent these gum issues from worsening.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a great addition to your brushing and flossing routine that can help reduce the number of germs in your mouth. Reach out to your local Charlotte family dentistry clinic at Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West Dentistry for more information on safe mouthwashes. Some formulas that advertise killing 99% of germs don’t state that they are also killing the good bacteria that live in your mouth.

Eat a Balanced Diet

This is one of the most overlooked tips for improving gum health. Many people fail to realize the impact our diet can have on our overall health, our teeth included. Eating a balanced diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein products can help boost our immune systems and support healthy teeth. Avoiding acidic beverages like energy drinks can also help to keep teeth strong.

If you are experiencing any pain or inflammation in your gums, reach out to a Charlotte family dentistry professional at Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West Dentistry as soon as possible. If you notice bleeding or pain during or after brushing your teeth, you may be in the early stages of gum disease. Treating this issue with a dental professional promptly is the best way to protect your teeth and overall health.