3 Lifestyle Habits to Avoid Gum Disease
May 05, 2025
Did you know that 4 in 10 adults have gum disease today? Whole Body Dental in Bellevue, Washington, is more than just a dental office: We’re on a bold mission to enhance your health from the inside out with preventative dentistry.
Protecting your gums is easier than you think. It all starts with learning the simple but powerful lifestyle changes you can make, starting today.
Gum disease may seem small at first, but it can quickly snowball into serious problems like receding gums, tooth loss, and even heart disease or diabetes complications.
Small lifestyle changes can make a huge difference. Our team often recommends these three key habits to help patients take control of their gum disease risk.
Most people already know that smoking can be devastating for general health. Recent studies show that each cigarette can reduce life expectancy by 20 minutes.
Smoking can also make your living years a constant health battle. It doubles your risk of gum disease. Because tobacco slows blood flow to your gums, your body has a harder time warding off infections.
If you smoke or vape, quitting now offers huge oral health and bodywide benefits.
Rushing through brushing and skipping flossing can quickly lead to early-stage gum disease.
Studies show that three-quarters of people aren't brushing long enough.
The American Dental Association recommends a two-minute brushing routine in the morning and night, along with flossing between teeth at least once a day.
Establishing these good habits stops plaque and bacteria from accumulating around your gums and, worse yet, under your gumline, where they can cause severe damage.
Gum disease doesn’t always scream for attention right away. Sometimes it whispers. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) signs are often subtle, beginning with bad breath, redness, puffiness, and occasional bleeding during flossing.
None of these issues is normal, and you should never ignore them. Seeing your dentist at Whole Body Dental while the symptoms are still mild allows us to tackle your gum disease before it can cause more serious problems like gum recession and tooth loss.
Our team uses advanced approaches, like laser dentistry, to remove bacteria and plaque from above and below the gumline for a deep-down clean.
Healthy gums are a big part of whole-person wellness, and that's what we specialize in at Whole Body Dental. We're here to help you enact these simple changes in your life while also providing expert gum disease treatment when you need it most. Phone our office at 425-643-1231 to book your appointment now.