Gums act as an anchor for our teeth. They protect our teeth from both shock and damage. However, it is important to know that your gums can suffer from certain diseases as well. Bacteria and decay can impact gums also and damage them.

Gingivitis and periodontal disease progress slowly and silently. Sometimes, the patient is not even aware of the severity of the situation. Also, it is difficult to identify them right away as serious problems take place beneath the gum line, hidden from the eye. Even though gum disease is a common oral health concern, it can lead to tooth loss as well as bone deterioration. Moreover, research has found that advanced gum disease can lead to heart disease and diabetes.

Therefore, it is imperative to have a solid oral care regime to avoid gum disease. You should religiously follow the routine of brushing twice a day, daily floss, and use mouthwash. This is something that you should make a habit of. Apart from maintaining hygiene and following the 3-step plan mentioned above, some other ways can help you protect your teeth and reduce the risk of gum diseases. 

Preventing Gum Diseases

Following these tips allow you to prevent dental issues from arising and keep gum diseases at bay:

You Need to Brush Your Gums

Brush your teeth. We all heard this term since we grew our teeth. However, in reality, it should be brushing your gums and teeth. Both your gums and gum lines need to be brushed properly to remove food particles and bacteria. But you need to keep a soft hand. Make sure you are not brushing them harshly.

The best way to brush is to gently wiggle your toothbrush in a circular motion rather than using the same-old hardback and forth motion. Gentle brushing is effective in cleaning both the gums and gum lines.

You can also use an electric toothbrush as it mimics the brushing motion and is better for your teeth and gum protection.

Eat Healthy Food

Food items that are high in sugar and start content cause bacteria growth that leads to gum disease and plague. These include candy, chips, pastries, fries, and soda. Also, food items such as pasta, bread, potatoes, and cereal can lead to such issues. So, make a point to eat nutritious food that gives your body vitamin. Eat more chicken along with cheese, nuts, milk, and other meats. They provide your teeth with calcium and phosphorus that remineralize enamel after the decay-causing acids to attack teeth.

Add more veggies and fruits to your diet as the water content is good for your teeth as well as weight. If you don’t want to eat vegetables, add them in soup or a smoothie.

Floss Your Teeth Gently

When you floss your teeth, it removes any of the food particles that might be stuck between the teeth and at the gum line. Failing to do so can damage both gums and teeth. When you floss your teeth, see that you reach the space between each tooth as well as the gums. Curve the floss into a C shape for gently flossing the small pocket above the tooth as well. Your gums might bleed if you have not flossed for a while. In that case, move your floss slowly and gently.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwashes do not only freshen up your breath but also fight bacteria to prevent gum diseases. They contain antimicrobial agents and fluoride that discourage tartar and plague. Using an antiseptic or antimicrobial mouthwash can kill 99% of the bacteria present in the mouth for 12 hours. It also reduces the level of plaque on teeth that prevents bacteria from damaging your gums or teeth.

Avoid Smoking and Chewing Tobacco

Chewing tobacco and smoking cigarettes are the direct cause of gum disease. They affect the immune system rendering it unable to prevent infections and gum disease. Frequent or chain smokers are at more risk of developing gum disease. Try to quit smoking and get yourself enrolled in some program.

Get Dental Cleanings Regularly

Getting your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist twice a year can help in preventing gum diseases. This also prevents plaque and tartar buildup. Dentists also examine the teeth and gums to spot any signs of disease before they aggravate.

Look out for Signs of Gum Diseases

Gum diseases can result in dangerous infections. When your gums get infected, it is called gingivitis. And when the infection worsens and seeps into the bone, it is called periodontitis. Gum diseases develop when bacteria eat at your teeth and gums and leave the plague behind. And when plaque remains on teeth, it leads to inflamed and swollen gums.

Here are some of the signs of gum disease that you need to watch out for:

•       Bleeding gums when you floss or brush
•       Bad breath
•       Loose teeth
•       Receding gum line
•       Swollen gums
•       Sensitive teeth

If you notice any of these signs, it is time to set an appointment with an experienced dentist at Same Day Dental Clinic. They would do a deep cleaning on and under the gum line and scrape the hard tartar from the gums. In case you feel that your teeth are loose, roots can be smoothed as to reattach them to the gums. As for the other symptoms, your dentist might prescribe some oral medicine, a slow-release medicinal gel, or an antibiotic gel.

If none of these treatments work out for you, you may be left with the option of surgery only. During this surgery, the dentist removes tissue from the mouth and uses it to cover the tooth roots. It is called gum graft surgery. Moreover, they lift the gums to remove the tartar from under the gum line using flap surgery.

Go to a Periodontist Regularly

Oral hygiene is crucial for a healthy mouth and preventing gum diseases. However, one cannot deny the importance of routine checkups with a dentist or periodontist. An annual evaluation is the best means to check the health of both your gums and teeth and develop a treatment plan in case there is an oral health issue. The dentist takes a look at your gums, teeth, bite, bone structure, and risk factors for periodontal disease to find early signs and symptoms of gum disease if any.

If detected early, gum diseases can be reversed. However, the ideal alternative to avoid the damages of gum disease is to take preventive steps and maintain oral hygiene. Follow the above tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy and keep gum diseases at bay.

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