Gum disease is a very common, but potentially serious, dental condition. About half of the adult population of the U.S. over the age of 30 have some stage of it. Essentially, gum disease causes inflammation that creates space between the gums and teeth. That space gives bacteria a home to thrive, and can lead to serious, seemingly unrelated conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. The bad news is that there is no “cure” for come disease; once you have it, you have it for life. The good news is that with proper care and cleaning habits, it is not difficult to keep it under control. Here are some of the major ways to do this.

Use Dental Products Designed for People with Gum Disease

Just as a person with dentures would use the best denture adhesive available, people with gum disease need to use the best products available to help them treat their condition. These include gum detoxifying toothpastes and mouthwashes. When shopping for dental hygiene items, be sure to buy name brands that specify they can be used to treat gum disease. The good news is that they are generally only a few dollars more expensive than typical items, if that.

Change the Way You Brush Your Teeth

We all brush our teeth so often that it becomes a rote, muscle memory function for many of us. That also means that we probably don’t put a lot of thought into it, and sometimes rush through it just to get that done. People with gum disease need to train themselves to be present while they brush.

Specifically, if you have gum disease, you need to pay close attention to brushing your gum lines. In addition to the fronts and backs of your teeth, you need to thoroughly clean the tops and bottoms where the teeth meet the gums. This is the best way to fight bacteria from forming and gathering in the pockets created by gum disease. Done properly and regularly, this can even make the spaces between the teeth and gums smaller. This is also something that people without gum disease should get into the habit of doing.  It will also help to ask a dentist for help.

Floss Regularly

Speaking of dental habits that everyone should do, it is imperative that people with gum disease follow dentists’ recommendations to floss daily. It isn’t difficult, expensive, or time consuming, and it can strengthen your gums significantly, as well as removing unnoticed pieces of food that can become a nesting ground for bacteria.

See Your Dentist Every Three Months

Most people need to see their dentist twice a year, or once every sixth months. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, that needs to increase to four times a year, or once every three months. While it may be inconvenient, the upside is that you will spot problems more quickly, and you’ll get the benefit of more frequent deep teeth cleaning!

Dental hygiene is important for everyone, but for people with gum disease, it can make the difference between a healthy life and facing serious illness. Take the time to take care of your teeth!