The health of the gums is closely related to overall general health. When a person has gum disease, they are more likely to have health issues like heart disease respiratory issues, dementia, complications with pregnancies and diabetes. Here are a few ways to keep your gums healthy.
The inflammation caused by bacteria when a person has gum disease is thought to be linked to these illnesses. By improving the overall health of the gums, the person’s overall health is also improved. Gums are important. They support your teeth by creating a tight seal that keeps out bacteria and helps to keep your teeth in place. Learning how to keep gums healthy will benefit your oral health along with your overall health. Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep teeth and gums healthy. It involves habits such as brushing twice a day and having regular dental checkups. However, oral health is about more than cavities and gum disease. Research has shown that there is an association between the health of a person’s mouth and their overall health. Experts consider oral health problems to be a global health burden. Gum disease has also been associated with an increased risk of serious degenerative diseases. Serious degenerative diseases could include diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or other health complications. The food you consume has an impact on you both physically and mentally. One major physical aspect it impacts is your oral health, which is why you need to have a sensible diet that consists of foods that promote healthy teeth and gums.
Prevention and advice about keeping your gums healthy
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits such as lemons, kiwi, orange, and guava are a great source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for healthy gums as it ensures the connective tissues between your teeth and jawbone remain strong and healthy. It is also an antioxidant that fights off oral problems such as gingivitis. So introduce citrus fruits in your diet as a natural source of Vitamin C.
Water: While water is not a type of food, your body needs it to function properly. Water can help reduce plaque as it washes away any food debris leftover in your mouth. It also promotes the production of saliva which is important for your oral health. You need to try to consume at least eight glasses of water on a daily basis. Drinking lots of water and eating healthy snacks such as carrots or celery can be a great way of taking care of your gums and oral health. This is because when you drink water, it helps flush out the bacteria that likes to sit in your mouth and on your gums. Snacks such as celery and carrots are a great choice because they are water-based. They won’t leave behind gunk that will stick around in your mouth and cause problems. Plus, they contain nutrients that are beneficial to your overall health.
Toothpaste: You can find hundreds of different types of toothpaste in your local pharmacy and all claim to provide you with healthier teeth and gums. When picking a toothpaste, you need to ensure it is approved by ADA and contains fluoride. Fluoride is important for healthy teeth as it fights the demineralization process of the teeth, the first stage of tooth decay. So make sure you purchase a floured toothpaste. To correctly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes, paying extra care to the gumline. Ideally, you should brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing helps you to remove plaque from your teeth which prompts tooth decay and leads gum disease.
Floss once a day : Flossing can remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, where a toothbrush is unable to reach. It can also help prevent bad breath by removing debris and food that has become trapped between the teeth.
Most dental health professionals recommend gently pushing the floss all the way down to the gum line before hugging the side of the tooth with up-and-down motions. It is important to avoid snapping the floss up and down between the teeth, which can cause pain and will not remove plaque as effectively.
See a dentist regularly
Experts recommend that people see a dentist every 6 months for a checkup. During a routine dental examination, a hygienist will clean the teeth and remove plaque and hardened tartar.
The dentist will check for visual signs of cavities, gum disease, mouth cancer, and other oral health issues. They may sometimes also use dental X-rays to check for cavities.
Anyone who notices changes in their mouth should visit a dentist. Contact our dentistry if you have any questions.