Gums occupy a large portion of the mouth surrounding your teeth and are vulnerable to bacteria attacks. Moreover, everyone experiences gum disease to any degree at some time in their lives.
However, prevention is vital, and gum disease can be easily avoided with a simple and good oral care routine and a few changes in your lifestyle.
In this article, we’ll explain how gum disease can be avoided to maintain excellent oral health.
Do I have gum disease?
If your gums are swollen and bleed while you brush your teeth, you probably have gum disease.
It is a common condition that can affect everyone, and its main symptoms are swollen gums with intense red coloration, bleeding, and bad breath.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria present in dental plaque build-ups around the teeth and over or under the gum line. This plaque can solidify and turn into tartar, which is harder to remove and needs to be done by a professional.
Prevention is key
Having a good oral routine should be enough to prevent gum disease. Brushing daily will help you maintain healthy gums. However, there’s more to it than just that.
Brush twice a day
Brushing twice a day is vital. However, it must be done with the appropriate technique to effectively remove food leftovers and plaque.
Moreover, the toothbrush needs to be at a 45-degree angle against the teeth and gums so the bristles can remove plaque hiding at the gum line. The strokes need to be short and extra soft to prevent hurting the gums and eroding the teeth.
Brushing your tongue is also important. The tongue is cramped with bacteria that can latch to your gums and build up plaque.
Floss once a day
Sadly, the toothbrush can’t reach properly in-between teeth. That’s why flossing is essential to clean those hard-to-reach areas where food is usually trapped.
Food leftover between teeth will cause swollen gums, plaque, and cavities.
Use a mouthwash
Mouthwashes are not only refreshing, help eliminate plaque and lower the speed at which tartar is formed. Some types of mouth wash are specially medicated to help treat gum disease.
However, mouthwashes are only a co-helper and can’t be used to replace brushing and flossing.
Quit smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your lungs, it also weakens your immune system, making your body less effective in resisting gum disease, and making it harder for them to heal.
Watch what you eat
Having a well-balanced diet will improve your health, having a direct impact on your gums. Foods such as vegetables, high-fiber fruits, and green tea will help you clean out your mouth and reduce bacteria.
Additionally, chewing sugar-free gums can stimulate saliva production, eliminating bacteria that could produce gum disease and cavities.