1. Angelini Pharma
  2. Core areas
  3. Consumer Health
  4. How to prevent gum disease and cavities

How to prevent gum disease and cavities

How to prevent dental caries
  • Published: 20 May 2025

Oral health is a key indicator of a person’s overall health and wellbeing1. Most oral and dental issues can be prevented or treated quickly and effectively2. The most common problems include cavities and gum disease, a term that includes conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis. All of these conditions can lead to tooth loss2. On average, Sugary foods, smoking, alcohol consumption and poor dental care all add to the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease2. In addition to prevention, regular check-ups with a dentist are important for early detection of problems4.

 

Daily oral hygiene habits

How to prevent cavities? And how to prevent gum disease? Prevention begins at home5. Experts recommend we brush our teeth twice a day for about two minutes using fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush5. The recommended technique for removing plaque is to hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle to the gums when brushing5. It is also important to brush the inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of the teeth5. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three or four months or as soon as the bristles look visibly worn5.

The bristles of a toothbrush cannot get between the teeth. Interdental cleaning is recommended once a day using dental floss or alternative methods where necessary, such as interdental brushes or picks, oral irrigators or dental woodsticks6. Mouthwashes can also be used, if recommended by a dentist, to reduce the formation of plaque, and lower the risk of gingivitis and tooth loss7.

 

Healthy diet for oral health

Scientific research shows a link between sugar consumption, especially if frequent, and a higher risk of tooth decay2. A balanced diet that is low in added sugars and high in fruits and vegetables can help lower the risk of oral-health issues and other non-communicable diseases2. It is also important to avoid or reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking2.

 

Regular check-ups with a dentist

These important habits should also be accompanied by regular check-ups with a dentist4. Dentists can spot the early stages of tooth decay or gum issues and address them immediately4. They can also perform a professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar8. There are no specific guidelines on how often dental check-ups should take place, although specialists recommend seeing a dentist an average every 6 months4. This can vary between three months to two years, depending on the needs of individual patients, which they should discuss with their dentist4.

 

Symptoms of gum issues or tooth decay

How to reduce gum inflammation and toothache? As well as regular check-ups, it is recommended to see a dentist at the first sign of any symptoms4. Signs of gum inflammation or periodontal disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss, include bleeding, pain and swollen gums2.

The warning symptoms of cavities, another potential cause of tooth loss, include sensitivity and pain in the teeth, sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet foods or drinks, and visible hole or pits9.

Dental caries and gum disease are both common issues in developed countries and around the world, leading to significant costs for individuals and healthcare systems2. For all these reasons, prevention and early treatment are crucial for the effective management of these issues2.

 

References:

  1. Tefera A. T., Girma B., Adane A., Muche A., Ayele T. A., Getahun K. A., Aniley Z., Ali S., Handebo S., “Oral health-related quality of life and oral hygiene status among special need school students in Amhara region, Ethiopia”. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2023 Mar 20;21(1):26. doi: 10.1186/s12955-023-02110-4. PMID: 36941712; PMCID: PMC10026826.
  2. World Health Organization (WHO), “Oral health”, 17 March 2025
  3. Petersen P. E., Bourgeois D., Ogawa H., Estupinan-Day S., Ndiaye C., “The global burden of oral diseases and risks to oral health”. Bull World Health Organ. 2005 Sep;83(9):661-9. Epub 2005 Sep 30. PMID: 16211157; PMCID: PMC2626328, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16211157/
  4. National Health Service (NHS, Uk), “Dental check-ups”, 1 April 2025
  5. American Dental Association (ADA), “Brushing Your Teeth”, Mouthealthy
  6. American Dental Association (ADA), “Home Oral Care” – “General Recommendations for the Prevention of Caries and Gingivitis”, Mouthealthy
  7. American Dental Association (ADA), “Mouthrinse (Mouthwash)”, Mouthealthy
  8. Cleveland Clinic (nonprofit - Usa), Dental Cleaning, 13 January 2023
  9. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
All articles: Consumer Health