What Toothpastes and Mouthwashes Prevent Gum Disease?
By Reza Rafie | Published on March 25, 2011 | 0 Comments
When you think of your oral health, you may instinctively consider your teeth and keeping them free of decay. And while your dentist is, of course, concerned with the condition of your teeth, the experts in the industry will tell you that the health of gums is crucial as well. Unfortunately, not many people take care of their gums as they should, and many walk around with some form of gum disease without even knowing it.
As gum disease intensifies from the early stages of gingivitis to the later stages of disease, an infected party’s gums will start to recede, and bone loss can begin. Luckily, with a strong at-home oral care routine and regular check-ups with your dentist, gum disease is entirely preventable. Reza Rafie DMD, a San Diego, CA dentist who specializes in dental implants and treating oral health problems, explains that you can make sure your mouth remains free of disease.
Besides being diagnosed with certain illnesses that are linked to gum disease such as diabetes, Dr. Rafie says that the cause of gum disease is most often a lack of patient care at home. People are just not doing a good job of cleaning their mouths on a regular basis, he explains. For this reason, the staff at Smile Designers reviews proper techniques for brushing and flossing with all patients as needed.
While many people see organic labels and automatically assume that organic products will be superior, Dr. Rafie explains that when it comes to toothpastes, this is not always the case. These pastes tend to be too abrasive on the teeth and gums, and will cause abrasions that take some of the tooth’s structure away and cause sores in the mouth. Instead, he says, normal toothpastes that are smooth and not gritty will work best as long as you continue to brush as often as your dentist recommends and use the suggested techniques.
Mouthwashes can also be important when keeping your mouth free of bacteria. While there are not always specific brands that Dr. Rafie endorses in his office, he does recommend steering clear of products that have alcohol in them. Alcohol can cause your mouth to become very dry, he explains, which is especially harmful if you use mouthwash right before bed. When your mouth is dry, bacteria can settle in. In fact, dry mouth is one of the leading causes of tooth decay, Dr. Rafie adds.
If you have not visited the dentist for awhile, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment. It’s always best to know about any problems in your mouth so that you can work to correct and control them before they intensify.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.