1) Keep your mouth clean; Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste; Floss every day. 2) Check your mouth regularly for signs of gum disease: Red, shiny, puffy, sore or sensitive gums; Bleeding when you brush or floss; Bad breath that won’t go away. 3) Eat well: Limit foods and beverages containing sugar or carbohydrates; Eat healthy snacks like cheeses, nuts, vegetables, and non-acidic fruits. 4) See your dentist regularly. 48% of Canadians who haven’t seen a dentist in the past year have gum disease. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the best way to prevent and detect problems.