A healthy mouth is more than just your beaming smile and straight teeth. A more crucial factor is healthy gums. Being cavity-free doesn’t mean that all is well with your mouth. Gum disease can creep in without you knowing that you have a problem because it tends to be painless. Yet, gum disease can have a negative impact not only on your oral health, but your overall health as well, increasing the risk of heart disease, dementia and diabetes. Still, there are steps that you can take to prevent the development of gum disease.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an inflammatory condition that is characterized by sore, swollen, or infected gums. It occurs as a result of the buildup of plaque, a sticky bacteria-filled film-like substance filled with bacteria, under and along the gum line. If not removed, plaque can harden and develop into tartar, increasing the risk for gum disease. Periodontitis and gingivitis are examples of gum disease.
Actions to reduce the chance of getting Gum Disease
Perform the following to reduce your chance of getting Gum Disease.
Floss Daily
Since plaque is the primary source of gum disease, flossing is crucial to preventing its accumulation. According to the American Dental Association’s recommendation, you should make it a habit to clean between teeth with floss once per day. Flossing aids in doing the job that your toothbrush cannot – removing plaque in difficult and impossible to reach spaces between the teeth and under the gum. Ensure that you are using the proper technique for effectiveness when you floss.
Get Your Routine Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings are an important part of preventative dental care and crucial to gum health. Making regular dental cleanings a part of your lifestyle allows your dentist to detect early signs of gum disease. This way you can address the issue and prevent it from developing in more advanced gum disease. You cannot remove tartar without a professional cleaning, and it’s also the best way to eliminate plaque missed when personally flossing and brushing. Regular cleanings allow for a thorough assessment of your teeth and gums.
Give Up Smoking
Smoking is bad for your health and in more ways than one. There is a link between smoking and the development of gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking weakens the body’s immune system, which makes fighting off a gum infection more difficult and healing of the damaged gums much harder. The more you smoke, the longer you smoke, the greater your risk for gum disease, which is twice that of a non-smoker.
Brush Twice Daily with Fluoride Toothpaste
You can work to keep your gums healthy by brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush for two minutes on each occasion to adequately remove food and plaque that is trapped and can produce acids that break down the enamel. It’s also important to brush your tongue as well since bacteria can reside there. An electric or battery-powered toothbrush is more effective at reducing gingivitis and plaque compared to a manual toothbrush when used properly.
Try a Therapeutic Mouthwash
Opting for a therapeutic mouthwash is beneficial in a number of ways, including reducing, reducing or preventing the development of gingivitis, slowing the development of tartar. It’s also possible to enjoy a combination of these benefits when you use a therapeutic mouthwash. While rinsing with a mouthwash is no substitute for flossing, the mouthwash is useful in rinsing the mouth, removing food particles.
Dr. Emma Wu: Massachusetts Leading Cosmetic and General Dentist
Having healthy gums is not only essential for your oral health, but for your general health as well. You can prevent the development of gum disease if you make an effort to practice good preventive dental care measures. Flossing, brushing twice a day, getting regular professional cleaning, rinsing with mouthwash, and quitting smoking are some of the steps that you can take to keep your gums healthy.