5 Ways to Fight Genetics and Prevent Gum Disease

Every physical feature you have can be traced genetically to a ancestor. Your mom may have passed down your eye color, or your dad may have given you his nose. Unfortunately, some health risks can also be passed down from generation to generation. When it comes to oral health, your family history with gum disease, the number one cause of tooth loss, may increase your chances of getting it yourself.

In order to overcome the hand genetics has dealt you, here are ways you can keep your teeth, gums, and smile healthy and strong!

Daily Brushing

Odds are you already brush your teeth every day, but the American Dental Association recommends doing so twice, once in the morning and before you go to bed. In addition, your dentist will likely counsel you to brush for a full two minutes every time to ensure that you reach areas that are more difficult to clean, such as in the back, along the gumline, and on your tongue.

Daily Flossing

As essential as brushing is to your oral health, it isn’t enough to prevent gum disease. Bacteria-filled plaque can form in between teeth, where the bristles of your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing at least once every day, clears out these tiny spaces and stops plaque from hardening and infecting the gum tissue.

Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings

Because you’re human, you may miss certain areas in your at-home oral hygiene. That’s one of the reasons why you need to have a dental visit at least every six months. In addition to a thorough cleaning, you’ll also be examined for any signs of gum disease and other problems. If your dentist spots any trouble, they can begin treatment to get it resolved before it damages your smile.

Healthy Diet

Believe it or not, what you eat has a significant impact on your smile’s long-term health. Indulging in sugary treats now and then is acceptable, but too much can encourage harmful bacterial growth in the mouth.

On the other hand, if you eat fruits and vegetables, you can not only get the nutrition your body needs to fight infection but also naturally scrub your teeth, clearing away food debris and plaque.

Antibacterial Mouthwash

If you would like to add an extra boost in your oral care routine to fight off the bacteria responsible for gum disease, you can use an antibacterial mouthwash. Ask your dentist for brand recommendations so you buy the right kind for your situation.

Having a family history of gum disease doesn’t automatically mean you will have it as well. When you take the right preventive steps discussed above, you can preserve your smile. If you don’t know whether your relatives have struggled with gum disease, it may be worth asking and finding out so you can take measures to protect your oral health.

About the Practice

At McComb Family Dental, we are privileged to have three highly trained and caring dentists on our staff. Each is a member of various organizations, study clubs, and dental societies. We can certainly treat existing gum disease, but we encourage patients to actively stay updated with their dental checkups and cleanings to prevent it from happening in the first place. To schedule an appointment at our McComb office, you may reach out to us online or call our team at 419-293-2335.