Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues Americans develop. It can lead to you losing teeth and developing other health problems if you are not careful. The good news is that this disease is completely preventable, so save yourself a ton of time and money by following these tips. 1. Brush Twice a Day You have likely heard this a million times already, but you should be brushing your teeth twice a day. Each time you brush, it needs to be for two minutes. An easy way of ensuring you maintain this timeframe is to divide your mouth into four sections and spend 30 seconds in each area. 2. Floss Every Day Even if you brush twice daily, you still need to floss. Flossing is an easy way to remove plaque that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. Sometimes food particles get caught between teeth, and it can develop into plaque if you are not careful. 3. Maintain a Healthy Diet If your diet consists of a lot of foods that are high in starch and sugar, then it is going to aid the gum disease-causing bacteria. These foods are okay in moderation, but make sure your diet consists of plenty of vegetables and fruits. 4. Eliminate Risks Certain behaviors make you more prone to developing gum disease. If you smoke, then you should quit to lower your risk. People who grind their teeth are more likely to develop periodontal disease as well. Talk to a periodontist about getting a mouth guard if that is the case. Contact Our Professionals Speak with a skilled periodontist in Winchester, VA if you are concerned about gum disease. Drs. Saunders and Dickson are proficient in this area, and they can even provide you with laser gum surgery if you have already developed periodontal disease in your mouth. For more information, contact our Winchester office at 540-427-6142.