When it comes to your oral health, it is not all about how dazzling your smile is or how aligned your teeth are. You cannot overlook your gums! Even if you have no cavities and have the brightest pearly whites, you are not immune to gum disease. Gum disease develops once plaque accumulates under and along your gum line. The plaque can trigger infections and harm the gum and underlying bone, resulting in tooth decay, or even tooth loss. Luckily, if identified early, gum disease el paso is reversible. Here are some key tips to prevent gum disease and keep your mouth healthy.
- Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Even though it might seem obvious, proper oral health is vital for healthy gums. Brushing the teeth is inadequate, particularly if you want to avoid gum disease. You should incorporate flossing into your routine to eliminate the likelihood of plaque accumulation and damage to the gums.
While flossing, get under and up your gums to eliminate any debris and plaque trapped there. Utilizing a low-alcohol antimicrobial mouthwash could also benefit your gum health as it eliminates bacteria responsible for causing gum disease.
- Consume Vitamin C
The lack of vitamin C is among the leading causes of periodontal disease. Incorporating vitamin C into your diet avoids gum disease and addresses any symptoms you may have. Vitamin C contains healing elements that can keep your gums from bleeding or swelling while stabilizing any loose teeth.
- Check Your Diet
Nothing is as crucial in avoiding gum disease as upholding a healthy diet. Avoid sugary drinks and foods as they may increase the risk of gum damage and tooth decay.
Consuming a nutritious, well-balanced diet filled with minerals and vitamins can enhance immunity and help fight many illnesses, including periodontal disease. For optimal outcomes, try adding foods rich in omega-3, collagen, and beta-carotene.
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is necessary to avoid gum disease and enhance general well-being. Consuming lots of water generates more saliva, which is essential in fighting bacteria that cause gum infections. Ensure you take the recommended amount of water daily for your body type and age.
- Avoid Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes results in numerous health concerns, including raising the tartar in the mouth which adds stress to the gums. To avoid or reverse periodontal disease, quit tobacco use, including smoking, chewing tobacco, or even cigars.
- Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption
As with tobacco, alcohol could harm your general dental health. Alcohol is a diuretic, which dries out the mouth, allowing bacteria to flourish and induce more damage to your gums and teeth. Besides, numerous alcoholic drinks are acidic; thus, they may erode your tooth’s enamel, causing teeth discoloration and hypersensitivity.
- Regular Dental Cleanings
Visiting your dentist often cannot be overemphasized enough. Regular dental cleanings help avoid gum disease by eliminating plaque lodged between teeth and along your gum line. Furthermore, during a dental cleaning, your dentist can identify warning signs of periodontal diseases, such as bleeding gums, and take preventative measures.
Gum disease is a serious concern that impacts millions of American adults. Sadly, the symptoms are not easily noticeable in the initial phases, making the condition hard to identify and treat. Left untreated, the condition can develop more serious complications like tooth loss. Besides, gum disease is associated with health issues like heart illness, diabetes, and stroke. Therefore, you should incorporate the tips highlighted above into your oral care routine to address gum disease early before it spirals out of hand. If you need help spotting the early warning signs of a gum infection or disease, consult your dental specialist.