Preventing Gum Problems

By far the biggest threat to healthy teeth is gum disease. The risk of gum problems increases with age, especially as pockets form at the gum line where bacteria can grow. Left untreated, bacterial infections can cause inflammation that damages connective tissue and even bone, leading to tooth loss.

What to do:

· brush and floss regularly to remove bacteria.

· for added protection, use an antibacterial mouthwash.

· go to your dentist for a regular check-up every six months. This is particularly important for detecting gum disease early. Although there are symptoms of gum disease that can serve as early warning signs, by the time they appear it’s often too late to reverse the disease process.

· since gum disease is an inflammatory process, eating foods that suppress inflammation may help. Growing evidence suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help dampen inflammation. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish, fish oil, and flaxseed.