Many believe that dental care implies preventing teeth decay by improving oral hygiene. However, as much as strong teeth are important, the health of gums is crucial too for a complete and an improved oral health. After all, they are the anchors in our mouth giving support to our incisors, canines and molars.
However, are your gums healthy?
Gum disease, usually, begins silently. Initially, you may or may not feel any discomfort and pain. Nevertheless, if you have swollen gums and they bleed while brushing and flossing, it is likely you have gingivitis which leads to severe gum ailment if not treated. Not only this, it can affect teeth too. Scary, isn’t it?
While gingivitis can be treated, following are some effective ways to prevent gum diseases:
Brush & Floss Regularly
Dentists repetitively and assertively suggest brushing and flossing on a regular basis and there is a reason behind it. While they are the basics of dental hygiene, they are helpful in removing food debris and eliminating bacteria in the mouth. Remember that both bacteria and food particles can impair your teeth and gums and it is important to brush and floss regularly. However, it is important to brush teeth for 2 minutes to clean all of the nooks and crannies of your mouth including inners cheeks and tongue.
Drink Milk & Eat Dairy Products
Calcium is an important nutrient for strong teeth and gums and dairy products are a great source of this nutrient. However, it is important that you choose low-sugar dairy products and take calcium-packed cheese, yogurt, and milk daily.
Steer Clear of Sticky Foods
Sticky Foods are tacky and hardest to remove. Unlike other foods, they remain glued on the tooth surface inviting bacteria buildup. Since bacteria accumulation impairs teeth and gums, it is important to avoid sticky foods.
Drink Lots of Water
While water intake is essential to keep yourself hydrated, it is essential to minimize the erosion of tooth enamel and reduce the acidity of the mouth as well. Besides, it removes food debris and sticky substance from teeth and promotes oral health. Moreover, it helps in production of saliva, which acts as a natural disinfectant of the mouth.
Gargle Antibacterial Mouthwash
Since mouthwash is a liquid, it effectively removes food particles and oral bacteria from the mouth. It assists brushing and flossing and reaches to even the smallest spaces in your mouth. So, gargle it in your throat or rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to kill bacteria.
Quit Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of teeth decay and periodontal disease. It is, therefore, vital to stop smoking to prevent gum diseases, teeth damage, halitosis and other oral health problems.
See Your Dentist on a Regular Basis
Dentists use the most sterilized and clean tools to remove tartar and treat gum diseases. It is, thus, essential to visit your dentists regularly to know if the signs of a gum disease exist and your mouth needs cleaning. The regular examination and diagnosis, therefore, help one improve oral health and prevent gum diseases.
Weak gums are prone to getting a disease and it is poor oral hygiene that impairs them. The aforementioned suggestions are, thus, important to prevent gingivitis and other severe gum ailments.