If you have gum disease, it’s up to you to take control of your dental care and keep your gums and teeth healthy. In this blog post, we’ll go over some common unhealthy habits that may be putting your gums--and teeth--at risk.

Skipping Flossing

The bottom line is, if you’re not making flossing a habit, you’re hurting your gums. Plaque build-up is ultimately the main cause of gum disease. And the fact is, flossing is just as important as brushing in eradicating plaque. That’s because floss hits the tight spaces between the teeth and gums that a tooth brush just can’t get to. You don’t have to floss twice daily like you do with brushing, but you must do it once every single day.

Brushing to Hard

Brushing effectively is another important step in maintaining your gum health. The harder you brush, the more your gums are likely to suffer. Brushing with too much pressure can damage the gums, and cause gum recession. If you’re prone to aggressive brushing, we recommend trying an electric toothbrush. You can even find models with pressure sensors that alert you when you get out of hand.

Smoking

Smoking is a bad habit for a lot of reasons, and one of them is the impact it has on the teeth and gums. Studies have shown that smoking increases the chance of developing serious gum disease. This can be blamed on several effects smoking has on the body, including bone loss, slower healing, and decreased saliva production. 

Comprehensive Care at Atlantic Dental Partners

Prioritize your dental health this year with our help! Here at Atlantic Dental Partners we offer a variety of services in preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry for all ages. We’d love to see you and the whole family in the new year. Call our office, or visit our website to book an appointment.