How to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Most of us just consider our teeth when we think of maintaining good oral health. However, that is only part of the equation. The gums play a key part in our dental health and are just as vital to our total well-being as the teeth themselves. Plaques will form on your teeth and gums if you don’t take care of them. The sticky film of germs that forms on, in, and between your teeth is called plaque. Without proper plaque removal, gum irritation, redness, bleeding, and inflammation can occur. 

Furthermore, the condition of your gums impacts more than just your mouth. Research suggests that those with gum disease may be more susceptible to cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections such pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). How therefore can you ensure that your gums remain robust? Read on to find out. 

Visit Your Doctor Regularly

Regular dental examinations are essential to maintaining healthy gums. The only sure way to get rid of plaque and tartar is with regular professional cleanings. If you have gingivitis, periodontitis, or gum disease, your dentist will be able to see the symptoms early on during an examination of your gums. The earlier gum disease is detected, the more time you have to take preventative measures before they become necessary.  

In addition, better dental health can be achieved through expert care. For instance, in addition to a thorough examination of your gums, your dentist may quickly tell you if you require orthodontic treatment. The experts at Kumra Orthodontics Washington, DC, can help you with procedures like these. They have been recognized as experts in their profession for over 15 years. You may have the smile you want without breaking the bank because of the low costs of their treatments.

Brush Regularly and Properly

Cleaning the areas between your teeth and around your gums is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are best for cleaning teeth, and they should be moved in short, gentle strokes at a 45-degree angle toward the gums. Every time you eat, or at least twice a day, brush all the surfaces of your teeth. Your toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

If you want to remove dental plaque more effectively, research shows that electric toothbrushes are the way to go. Even while electric toothbrushes are more costly than manual ones, they’re surely worth the investment. 

Make Flossing a Habit

Even though it’s recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), flossing once a day is often overlooked.

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Flossing gets rid of the food and plaque stuck in the spaces between your teeth and gums. Tartar, a hard deposit of germs, can form if food and plaque are left in these crevices, and only a dentist can get rid of it. Gum disease is a potential outcome of tartar buildup.

Use a Therapeutic Mouthwash

The American Dental Association classifies mouthwash as either cosmetic or therapeutic. And your gums will be safe when using a therapeutic mouthwash. These rinses can aid in a variety of ways, including lowering plaque, halting the progression of gingivitis, and slowing tartar buildup. In addition, a rinse can aid in the removal of food debris and plaque. You shouldn’t use it in place of flossing or brushing. If it has the ADA mark of approval, you know it has been tested for safety and effectiveness, so it is recommended that you get that one. 

Quit Smoking

Researchers have found that tobacco use is significantly linked to the development of periodontal disease. Because smoking lowers your immune system’s defenses, it becomes more difficult to treat a gum infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises those who smoke to give up the habit promptly to lessen their chances of acquiring gum disease. This is so because cigarette use slows the recovery of injured gums. Another danger factor is the usage of other tobacco products.

Eat Healthy Foods

Leafy greens like spinach and kale should also be a staple in your diet. They contain a lot of anti-inflammatory vitamin C. Your gums may be less likely to swell and become infected as a result of this anti-inflammatory impact.

Your shopping list should also include dairy items like milk, cheese, and yogurt. They include a protein called casein that helps prevent tissue breakdown. The protection of tooth enamel from erosion is another benefit.

A good rule of thumb is to stay away from sugary foods even when trying to eat healthily. This is because the harmful bacteria in your mouth enjoy a similar feast when you eat them. This might increase the rate at which plaque forms on your teeth.

Know Your History

Learning about your past is another approach to safeguard your gums. You may be more or less prone to gum disease depending on factors including your genetic make-up, your age, your smoking habits, and the food you eat. Gum health depends on you being forthright with your dentist about any preexisting conditions you may have. If your oral health is very unstable, you may need to visit the dentist more frequently for cleanings. 

Final Words

You can start protecting yourself from gum disease right in your own house. However, it is still important to see your dentist often since gum disease is deceptive. There is still a chance of developing gum disease even if you practice perfect oral care.