It’s easy to fixate on pearly white teeth when it comes to your smile. However, you don’t forget about the gums! Healthy gums are essential for anchoring teeth firmly, preventing disease, and contributing to overall good health. Thankfully, there are simple habits you can incorporate that will keep your gums healthy. We wanted to share a few of those with you today:
- Brush and Floss Consistently
Teeth brushing and flossing are vital for reducing your risk for gum disease. If those habits are skipped, plaque and bacteria can build up in your gumline, leading to more serious gum health problems. Make sure you brush twice a day for at least two minutes. Angle the bristles along the gumline and use gentler circular motions. Don’t forget to floss too! It clears away food particles between teeth that brushing misses alone.
- Watch for Signs of Gum Disease
Gingivitis, an early and reversible form of gum disease, affects many people. It’s hard to spot the condition on your own. However, you’ll notice symptoms, including tender, swollen, or bleeding gums. Redness, painful chewing, and persistent bad breath can occur too. Luckily, catching gingivitis in the early stages makes reversing its effect much easier. Make sure you visit us regularly for dental checkups. We spot the signs in advance so we can treat it before it progresses.
- See Your Dentist Regularly
We encourage you to visit us every six months for a cleaning and exam. These appointments allow us to remove hardened tartar above and below gumlines. If we spot signs of gum disease, we can treat the condition before long-term damage to your smile. If you struggle with chronic gum disease, we suggest you come in more frequently for a checkup. No insurance? Join our Membership Club! It covers your cleanings and exams and has an option for patients at risk for gum disease.
- Stop Smoking
Smoking cigarettes heightens the risk for numerous gum problems, including gingivitis and oral cancer. The tobacco increases blocks your body’s immune responses, enabling bacteria and malignancies to grow. Kicking the habit supports healthier gums and greater health overall. Talk to your primary physician about quitting if you have had trouble doing so in the past.
- Eat a Balanced Diet
Ensure you incorporate fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. These foods provide nutrients that support your gums. Antioxidants in produce help fight inflammation and infection. Avoid excess refined carbohydrates and sugar, which feed harmful plaque bacteria. Staying hydrated with water is wise, too.
Making smart decisions can keep your gums healthy and ensure long-term overall health. Remember, certain medical issues like diabetes and heart disease can also worsen gum disease risk and severity. So, work closely with your healthcare providers to control conditions through medication, lifestyle changes, and attentive monitoring when relevant.
Don’t wait for painful or overt signs of gum trouble. Instead, maintain vigilant preventative care for optimal health, comfort, and confidence flashing your smile. Need an appointment in D’Iberville, MS. Call Back Bay Family Dentistry at 228-220-2117 for an appointment. You can also make an appointment online.