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When it comes to your teeth and gums, many people take them for granted. While you may focus on the color and cleanliness of your teeth, gum health is often overlooked. What you may not know is the health of your gums can have a huge impact on your physical health if they’re neglected. While maintaining healthy teeth is a huge part of having a healthy smile, your gum health should never be overlooked as a result.
While gum disease is a common condition and affects millions of Americans, there are things you can do in day-to-day life that can stop gum disease from occurring in the first place. To avoid getting gum disease and stop it from progressing all the way to tooth loss, here are some actions you can do today.
Brush Twice a Day
While this may be an obvious tip, you will be surprised at how many people don’t brush their teeth twice a day. It doesn’t matter if you’re spending extra time cleaning your teeth at night, you need to be doing the same in the morning too. Brushing your teeth twice a day is the most effective way at getting rid of plaque and tartar. Make sure you’re using a soft-bristled toothbrush too. Also, spend a minimum of 2 minutes brushing, and make sure you’re using the right technique. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so you’re reaching the gumline. There are no excuses not to find 2 minutes in the morning and evening to brush!
Floss Daily
As well as brushing twice a day, you need to get into the habit of flossing too. Flossing helps in removing plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gumline. Whenever you eat, food can get trapped and quickly turn into plaque. Should you not floss, this plaque can quickly build up and increase your risk of gum disease. Don’t be scared to floss either! When you first get going, your gums may bleed. However, rather than stopping, you need to continue. Over time, your gums will get healthier and you’re sure to notice this by their color. Bright pink gums indicate they’re clean and healthy. If yours are dark red, it’s time to get flossing!
Use Mouthwash
Make sure mouthwash is part of your oral hygiene routine. This is because mouthwash can help in killing bacteria that causes gum disease. Just make sure to pick up a mouthwash that contains fluoride in. Rinse your mouth with mouthwash after you’ve brushed and flossed. You should gargle it for around 30 seconds, but make sure not to rinse your mouth afterward with water! If you do, you will be removing the fluoride that otherwise would be getting to work in protecting your teeth and gums. Also, we recommend you use a non-alcohol mouthwash as it’s considered safer for your teeth. What’s more, you won’t have to worry about your enamel weakening by the alcohol in your mouthwash.
Consider Dental Treatments
There are all kinds of dental treatments you can have which can prevent or treat gum disease. For example, scaling and root planning is highly effective at removing plaque and tartar below the gumline. Those who have a gap in their teeth are at a higher risk of gum disease too. ALIGNERCO have a guide to follow if you have a gap in your teeth. Their clear aligners are the answer for how to fix a gap in your teeth. Some cosmetic dental treatments can be costly. However, when it comes to protecting your gums and oral health, the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Eat Right
To strengthen your teeth and gums and keep them in check, now may be the time to pay closer attention to your diet. You need to be following a diet that’s rich in minerals and vitamins. Pick foods that are high in vitamin C. Doing so will reduce inflammation and promote healthy gums. Changing your diet overnight isn’t the answer either. If you try and make drastic changes, you’re going to fall off the wagon. Instead, start incorporating more fruits and veg into your meals. You will quickly notice the gum health benefits!
Limit Acidic and Sugary Foods
We get it, sugary and acidic foods are incredibly tasty! However, they’re really not great for your teeth and gums. The likes of soda, candy, cookies and ice cream may taste fantastic but are pests for eroding the enamel on your teeth. Over time, consuming these foods can increase your risk of gum disease. Now is the time to start limiting your intake of such foods. If you have a sweet tooth and can’t bear to part with them forever, make sure you’re brushing your teeth straight after eating them.
Give Up Smoking
If there’s one thing that is certain to increase your risk of developing gum disease, it’s smoking. Whether it’s cigarettes, roll-ups, or a cigar, tobacco has no health benefits, especially for your teeth and gums. This is because smoking weakens the body’s immune system, making it more difficult to fight off gum infections. The good news is those who quit smoking have the same risk of getting gum disease and responding to gum treatment as those who never have. It’s never too late to pack the habit in for good. We understand giving up smoking is easier said than done too. Thankfully, there are plenty of stop-smoking tips and resources you can use that can help you on your journey to giving up once and for all.
See Your Dentist
It’s essential that you see your dentist regularly for check-ups. Only an oral health professional will be able to thoroughly examine your teeth, perform X-rays, and provide treatment and advice. They will also give tactics on how to further prevent gum disease from occurring. They can detect early signs of disease and answer any queries you have. While some people don’t give the dentist a second thought, others are terrified of sitting in the chair. If you fall into the latter, there are lots of tips you can take on board to beat your fear of the dentist. Make sure to see your dentist twice a year so they can keep a close eye on your gum health.
Manage Stress Levels
Stress is part and parcel of life. Whether you’re having trouble at work, dealing with unruly toddlers or there’s a family dispute going on, too much stress can actually have a negative effect on your gum health. This is because too much stress can weaken the immune system. Try and manage your stress more effectively. There are all kinds of tactics you can try out, such as relaxation techniques. Meditation in particular is fantastic for lowering stress and anxiety. Make sure you’re getting plenty of physical activity into your day too. 30 minutes of exercise can keep stress levels down.
It’s imperative that you not only look after your teeth but also your gums that keep them firmly in place. There are small actions like those above that you can incorporate into your routine which can go a long way in maintaining good oral health and lowering your risk of getting gum disease.
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