It is extremely important to take good care of your teeth in order to prevent gum disease from occurring in the first place.
Practice good oral hygiene.
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times per day and floss your teeth at least 1 time per day.
Choose the right kind of TOOTHBRUSH and take good care of your toothbrush.
- Look for toothbrushes that are stamped with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This stamp assures you that the toothbrush you are purchasing meets the safety and effectiveness criteria set up by the US Food and Drugs Administration.
- Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush because it is less likely to cause irritation to your gums.
- Keep your toothbrush separate from other people’s toothbrushes.
- Do not place your toothbrush right next to the toilet.
- Allow the bristles on your toothbrush to dry before each use.
- Regularly clean your toothbrush by soaking it in solutions such as Listerine, Chlorhexidine, or Hydrogen Peroxide.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or after you have recovered from an illness like a cold or flu.
Choose the right kind of TOOTHPASTE.
- Look for toothpastes that are stamped with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This stamp assures you that the toothpaste you are purchasing meets the safety and effectiveness criteria set up by the US Food and Drugs Administration.
- Fluoride prevents dental cavities.
- Triclosan and Zinc Citrate can prevent plague.
- Sodium Hydroxide and Sodium Carbonate can whiten your teeth.
- Beware that certain flavorings, particularly the Cinnamon and Mint flavors, can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Choose the right kind of MOUTH RINSE.
- Look for mouth rinses that are stamped with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This stamp assures you that the mouth rinse you are purchasing meets the safety and effectiveness criteria set up by the US Food and Drugs Administration.
- Fluoride prevents dental cavities.
- Products such as Listerine and Crest Pro Health kill bacteria.
Limit foods/drinks that are high in sugar.
- Schedule for dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning every 6 months.
Quit smoking.
References
1. Whitaker, Amy L. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 31 Prevention of Hygiene-Related Oral Disorders. 16th Edition, Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009.
2. Rosenberg, Jack. Gingitivits. February 2010. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002051/. Accessed on September 21, 2011.
3. American Academy of Periodontology. Types of Gum Disease. April 2011. Available at: http://www.perio.org/consumer/2a.html. Accessed on September 21, 2011.
4. National Institutes of Health- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. April 2010. Available at: http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/GumDiseases/PeriodontalGumDisease.htm. Accessed on September 21, 2011.
5. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Periodontitis. November 2010. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/periodontitis/DS00369/DSECTION=symptoms. Accessed on September 21, 2011.
6. Goss, Lisa RDH and Chalie Inga DDS. Gum Disease. October 2008. Available at: http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/mouth/gum_disease.html. Accessed on September 21, 2011.
7. Vorvick, Linda and David Zieve. Gingivitis. February 2011. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002051/figure/A001056.B9348/?report=objectonly. Accessed on September 21, 2011.
8. Vorvick, Linda and David Zieve. Gingivitis. February 2011. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002051/figure/A001056.B1136/?report=objectonly. Accessed on September 21, 2011.
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