- Language
-
Gum disease is a dreadful condition and one that’s easy to avoid if you follow good oral hygiene. You may think you’re taking care of your gums by brushing daily but remember that this only keeps your teeth clean, your gums are often ignored!
So how do you keep your gums healthy?
Read below to learn more:
It’s a no brainer that a better diet can help boost gum health. Certain foods can ensure your gums are healthy and well-nourished. Others can do a lot of damage and should be avoided.
Food and drinks that contain high amounts of sugar and citric acids should be avoided. Alcohol also does no good to the gums and can dehydrate the mouth. Any chocolate or candies should be avoided as well as any food items that have the tendency of getting stuck in between teeth.
All of these can result in bacteria acting on the gums and lead to cavities and gum disease in the long run. Food and drinks that do help with gum health are fruits and vegetables with a lot of fiber. The fiber can help clean the mouth of any food debris lingering about. Green tea also helps with killing any bacteria in the mouth as does any food items that contain fluoride (e.g. chicken, turkey, and seafood).
Saliva production is also beneficial in improving gum health and it’s good to chew sugar-free gum and consume dairy items such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
Brushing twice daily helps and if you pay attention to brushing the teeth at a 45-degree angle - this will help in removing any food debris near the gums. It’s also important to clean the insides of the teeth and not just the outside. Soft bristle toothbrushes will also prevent any rough damages or abrasions to the gums that may get infected later on.
There’s a ton of toothpaste options, but make sure that the ones you use contain fluoride that can help battle any infections. Check if they are also ADA approved if you’re based in the U.S. This means it’s a product recommended by dentists.
You probably didn’t know but rinsing your mouth can sometimes not be beneficial to your oral health. When you’re done a meal, it’s always good to rinse out your mouth as the rinsing will unsettle any food stuck in your teeth and wash them out - avoiding any plaque or tartar build up that leads to cavities.
However, if you’ve just brushed your teeth. Rinsing your mouth can actually negate the benefits of fluoride that are present in your mouth. Because of this, invest in a good mouthwash that’s ADA approved. The mouthwash will help remove any food waste, kill bacteria, decrease the build-up of tartar, and give you fresh breath!
Flossing is the perfect way to get rid of any food or plaque that’s building up in between your teeth and gums. This prevents the build-up of bacteria and can lead to cavities and gum disease. Try to floss at least daily and make it a habit just like you do when it comes brushing your teeth.
The CDC has done multiple studies showing a clear increase in risk of gum disease amongst smokers. The main driver for this is tobacco and so quitting is the only way to ensure better oral health here.
Finally, regular visits to the dentist are a sure fire way to identify any oral issues early and have them treated. Dentists can quickly spot signs of gum disease early on before the condition has progressed and put you on the right treatment plan. They’ll also carry out a professional clean to keep your mouth in tip-top shape. Try and visit your dentist every 6 months.
