You Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day and Wonder Why Your Gums Are Still Red. Ehem and I mean even brushing... Since it takes more than a brush to keep your gums healthy, there will be times when you receive some valuable life-saving guidance. Picture your gums like the foundation of a house a weak foundation leads to a weak structure. For instance, if your gums are not in a healthy condition you will face issues with teeth as well.
Could This Be Why Your Gums Are Not Getting Healthier?
Your gums are your smile's foundation. That is not just beneficial for the health of your teeth but also helps stop microorganisms from entering the bloodstream as well. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease is a severe infection that can-besides leading to tooth loss-cause other health problems.
The Risks of Gum Disease
It is more common than you think Gum disease typically begins as gingivitis, but if not treated can advance to periodontitis; a more severe form of the disease that affects your jawbone and the bone/tissue supporting your teeth. Gum disease has also been associated with numerous other health problems, including heart disease stroke (two of the leading causes of death in America), and diabetes.
Signs of Gum Disease:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Changes in bite
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to see a dentist right away.
Preventing Gum Disease
- Brush Twice a Day with Fluoride Toothpaste Brushing is your most important daily task for preventing gum disease. Brush your teeth twice per day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to brush all the surfaces of your teeth: fronts, backs, and chewing surfaces.
- Floss Daily Flossing helps clean the plaque between your teeth near the gumline, that the toothbrush can't reach. Failing to floss -- If you skip the dental string, nearly 40% of each tooth surface goes uncleaned. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle sawing motion and then curve it into a C shape against one tooth.
- Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash Mouthwash can help to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Look for a mouthwash that has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, which means it is safe and effective.
- Eat a Healthy Diet A nutritious diet is key to maintaining good general health - and the condition of your gums. Opt for lots of fruits, veggies and whole grains Stay away from sugary and starchy foodstuffs as they can lead to tooth decay & gum disease.
- Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products Smoking and other forms of tobacco use are one of the greatest risk factors for developing gum disease. The primary downside of rising to stress too easily, your immune system gets all the weaker for having done so. It is the best rule that if you are smoking, then it's better to quit right now for your teeth and gums.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly Your dentist can assess your gum health independently of the overall condition of oral areas, and help potential causes before they become critical. If you want to keep your gums as healthy as possible, then say yes to professional cleans that can get rid of plaque and tartar which are impossible to remove on your own.
Oral Hygiene Tips
Here are a few more tips to help you maintain healthy gums:
- Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
- Don't brush too hard.
- Use a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from your tongue.
- Consider using an oral irrigator to flush out food particles and bacteria from between your teeth.
- If you have braces or other dental appliances, be sure to clean them thoroughly according to your dentist's instructions.
SmileBreeze Dentistry for Healthy Gums
If you need a dentist who understands how to help you have and keep your gums nice and healthy, search no longer than SmileBreeze Dentistry in Frisco, TX. Our team of dental doctors with years of experience in the field is devoted to comprehensive mouth care services, including gum disease prevention and treatment. We have services to suit almost every need, including...
- Gum disease screenings
- Scaling and root planning
- Antimicrobial therapy
- Gum grafting
We even have patient education videos on how to maintain nice healthy gums at home.
Do not wait until it is too late Make an appointment at SmileBreeze Dentistry today and start down the road to a healthier smile.
This is how you can prevent gum disease and ensure that your gums remain healthy. Don't forget, that healthy gums are part of a great smile.
Additional Tips
- People with diabetes need to control their blood sugar levels - higher blood sugars put them at a greater risk of developing gum disease.
- Some kinds of medications may raise your possibility of having gum disease. If you have concerns about your medications, talk to your doctor or dentist.
- Pregnancy may lead to more possibility of gum disease. Get your regular check-ups and cleanings from the dentist while you are pregnant!
Like other things in life, keeping healthy gums is a never-ending work that does not end. But the rewards are worth it. With proper gum care, you can keep your smile and the rest of your body healthy for years to come.
