Gum disease is highly preventable if you practice good oral hygiene and eat a healthy diet.
While most people focus on tooth care, your gums’ health is equally important as they surround and support your teeth, along with your jawbones. Your gums serve as barriers against oral infection and disease. Gum disease is highly preventable if you practice good oral hygiene and eat a healthy diet. Keep reading for some tips to maintain the health and well-being of your gums.
Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
It is essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing helps remove food and keep plaque from forming in your mouth. Plaque can harden under the gum line and develop into tartar. Tartar buildup can cause inflammation which leads to gum disease. Not treating gum disease may cause tooth loss. To maintain healthy gums, brush your teeth for two minutes every time. Keeping your teeth clean prevents gum disease and cavities. After brushing your teeth, don’t forget to floss to reach the small spaces between your teeth and under the gum line. Be gentle while flossing to avoid hurting your gumline.
Eat a Healthy Diet
The foods you eat also have a significant impact on your oral health. Reduce your intake of sugary, starchy, and chewy foods, contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. Instead, eat whole foods with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fibrous foods like apples, celery, and leafy greens require a lot of chewing, which helps clean out the mouth. Also, dairy products like yogurt and cheese increase saliva production and contain bone-strengthening calcium.
No Smoking
Smoking carries a lot of health risks. It weakens your immune system and puts you at a higher risk for gum disease. Chemicals in tobacco products also affect saliva production in the mouth, making it easier for bacteria to stick to your gums. Compared to non-smokers, smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease. This, coupled with poor dental hygiene, can lead to tooth loss and a host of other health issues.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
You should schedule regular check-ups and cleanings every six months. Your dentist can help you prevent gum disease and detect any oral health problems earlier on. Be sure to talk to your dentist if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Tender, red, or swollen gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
KEEP YOUR MOUTH HAPPY WITH FAMILY DENTISTRY AT ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, your dentist in Annapolis is here to serve! Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!