We’ve all been there. The embarrassing moment when your dentist asks you how often you floss. “Not often enough,”While he or she grunts in disapproval and shakes their heads,

It turns out that they do know what they are talking.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNearly half of American adults age 30 and over (47.2%) have gum disease.

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is one of the biggest threats to your dental health. However, maintaining a healthy smile goes far beyond having a beautiful smile.

Gum disease is a chronic and inflammatory condition. Studies have suggested that tooth decay and gum disease could increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The CDC lists common signs of gum disease such as bad breath, reddening gums, bleeding gums, tenderness, pain when chewing, receding gums, loose or sensitive teeth, and changes in the fit of partial or full dentures. Smoking, diabetes, stress and poor oral hygiene are other factors that increase the likelihood of gum disease.

These steps can help improve your dental hygiene and decrease the risk of developing gum diseases.

Brush your teeth. Fluoride toothpaste should be used twice daily to brush your teeth. Choose a toothbrush that feels good in your mouth. You’ll be more likely to use it. There are toothpastes for sensitive teeth and those who want whiter teeth.

– Floss. You should floss your teeth at least once per day. You can find dental floss in many widths and thicknesses. Some people prefer disposable flossers which are easier to use for kids.

Rinse. An important part of a routine for dental health is the oral rinse. Gum disease can be caused by bacteria. An oral rinse that contains bacteria-targeting ingredients may help to prevent gum disease.

TheraBreath Healthy Gums Oral Rinse has Cetylpyridinium Choline, which is an FDA-approved ingredient that has been clinically proven effective in killing germs related to gum disease.

“Gum disease is more serious than people think. It starts out with just bleeding and sensitive gums, but in its advanced stages, it can cause tooth loss,”Dr. Harold Katz, the founder and chief researcher of TheraBreath, said:

You can find more information at www.keepyourmouthhealthy.com about how to keep your gums healthy and reduce the risk of gum disease. therabreathhealthygums.com.

Healthy Gums Oral rinse from TheraBreath can be purchased at Walmart.