Gum health is an essential aspect of oral health, but it’s often overlooked. The sad truth about gum disease is that it can lead to tooth loss and even affect your overall health. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), gum disease affects 47% of adults over the age of 30 in the US.
The benefits to one’s health that come from keeping one’s mouth clean are numerous and rather important. The appearance of your smile can be greatly improved by taking care of your teeth, but there are many other benefits as well.
Keeping your gums healthy is achievable if you take the right precautions. In this article, we will touch base on five key ways to promote gum health and maintain it.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Protecting the wellbeing of your teeth requires dedication to proper care – such as brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day. This simple routine is key for ensuring oral hygiene, which in turn keeps teeth looking their best and prevents future dental issues.
Regular brushing helps to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque, from your teeth and gums while flossing removes any particles stuck between the teeth that brushing may have missed. Together, these everyday habits can help keep your gums and teeth healthy for years to come.
Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene as it helps to clean bacteria and food particles from the area between teeth and along the gum line which your toothbrush cannot reach.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with gentle, circular motions while brushing your teeth for maximum efficiency. If you’re unsure about the proper flossing technique, ask your dentist or dental hygienist to show you.
Use a Gum & Teeth-Friendly Mouthwash
An occasional swish of mouthwash offers a refreshing, clean feeling and puts your worries about bad breath at ease. Additionally, it also supports your oral health by reducing the risks of gum disease and plaque build-up.
Mouthwash is a helpful tool for eliminating bacteria and providing a fresh experience. However, not all products are equal, so be sure to look for one with fluoride and the ADA Seal of Acceptance for optimal results.
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel, and the ADA Seal of Acceptance means that the product has been tested and proven to be safe and effective. Mouthwash can also reach areas of your mouth that your toothbrush and floss can’t, helping to remove bacteria and prevent gum disease.
Stick to a Healthy Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet is essential to keeping your gums and teeth in tip-top shape. Sugary and carb-rich foods contribute to the development of gum disease by feeding off the bacteria that cause it, so it is important to limit them. Instead, choose foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods help stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acid in your mouth and wash away food particles and bacteria.
Consuming food that is rich in Vitamin C, including citrus fruits and leafy greens, can be beneficial for healthy gums. This is because it helps decrease inflammation and bolster the strength of blood vessels.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
Smoking and other tobacco products are harmful to your oral health and can increase your risk of gum disease. Tobacco use reduces blood flow to your gums, making it harder for them to heal and fight off infection.
Smoking has many serious dental health implications, one of which is dry mouth. This happens because smoking reduces the production of saliva that helps combat bacteria buildup in the mouth. A reduction in saliva can also cause an increase in bacterial growth.
If you are a smoker or are using any kind of tobacco-based products, then it’s best to consult your dentist and doctor on how to quit these habits.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy gums. Your dentist can detect early signs of gum disease and provide treatment before it progresses.
Dental cleanings can remove plaque and tartar buildup that can contribute to gum disease. The ADA recommends visiting your dentist at least once every six months, or more frequently if you have a history of gum disease or other oral health problems.
Tooth decay, the accumulation of plaque and tartar, staining and coloring of the teeth, gum disease, loose or missing teeth, and other potentially detrimental oral health disorders can be avoided by practicing good dental hygiene.
Keeping your gums healthy is essential for maintaining good oral health and overall health. Brushing and flossing regularly, using mouthwash, eating a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and tobacco products, and visiting your dentist regularly are all essential for preventing gum disease.
By following these steps, you can keep your gums healthy and avoid the complications that can arise from gum disease. If you’re concerned about your gum health or have questions about how to maintain healthy gums, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist.
Constantly Striving Toward Healthier Gums, Stronger Teeth, and More Beautiful Smiles
If you take good care of your teeth, they will be in a better position to assist you maintain good health overall. In order to do this task in the most effective manner, you will need to develop and stick to an efficient oral care routine that you can perform at home, in addition to maintaining the required schedule of professional hygiene examinations at your family dental clinic.
If you’ve been having the feeling that your teeth aren’t quite as clean as they could be, or if you’re just looking for new ways to make your at-home dental care habits more effective, there are a lot of different options that you can utilize to make adjustments to your oral hygiene routine that you may choose from.
Now more than ever, it is easy to make sure your teeth stay healthy and beautiful. We here at Cascade Dental would be delighted to help you achieve the best possible dental care results.
Our team is here to help you in any way we can by providing the necessary information about maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental visits. If there’s anything else we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions.
Get in touch with us as soon as possible so that we can schedule your upcoming appointment. Get cleaner, healthier teeth with improved oral care habits, and regular checkups!
