According to recent statistics, different gum infections currently affect about 60% of Americans. Bacteria found in plaque, which accumulates on the teeth when they are not adequately cleaned, causes the majority of gum infections. Plaque bacteria are the major cause of swollen gums, which is also known as gingivitis.
Untreated gum disease can lead to more serious problems such as major gum infections and missing teeth. However, going that far is not required. It is not difficult to keep your gums healthy. Even if you don’t visit the dentist, you can maintain your gums healthy by following a few simple steps.
Here are the five easy ways you can preserve your gums and teeth:
1. Incorporate gum-healthy foods into your diet
The state of your gums and teeth, as well as your general health, are significantly influenced by your diet. Regular consumption of certain foods, such as apples, and cucumbers, can help clean your gums and enhance their health. These specific foods’ abrasive textures can help to gently exfoliate your gum line and enamel when you eat them. Thanks to this cleaning mechanism, your gums can be free of plaque and other bacteria that may compromise them.
2. Stop smoking
Smoking has negative effects on your heart and lungs, but it also has a significant impact on how healthy your gums are. You must be asking how that is possible. Smoking harms your health because it impairs your immune system, which makes your gums more susceptible to illnesses and viruses that might harm them. When you stop smoking, your risk of developing gum infections and other dental conditions is up to four times lower compared to those who smoke.
3. Limit your sugar consumption
Overindulging in foods, snacks, and beverages with a lot of sugar in them is really bad for the health of your gums. The leftover sugar debris on your teeth and gums serves as a food source for bacteria that harm teeth and cause oral infections. These bacteria damage your gums, secreting toxic enzymes that cause significant infections that may result in swelling and tooth damage. Always remember to rinse your mouth with water after consuming sweet snacks to avoid bacteria accumulation.
4. Visit your routine dental cleanings
Tartar forms when plaque on the surface of your enamel is not cleaned in a timely manner. Tartar is the perfect breeding ground for oral bacteria that harm gum tissue. Visit a general dentist for cleaning to effectively remove tartar from your teeth. Regular dental checkups are a fantastic method to maintain healthy gums and guard against dangerous gum diseases like gingivitis.
5. Brush regularly with a fluoride toothpaste
Anyone who wants to have healthy teeth and gums should make brushing their teeth twice a day a habit, ideally after breakfast in the morning and after supper at night. Get a brush with many bristles that may comfortably fit in your mouth. This enables you to clean your mouth thoroughly to get rid of plaque and other particles between your teeth and gums. Additionally, only purchase fluoride-containing toothpaste while shopping for one. Fluoride in toothpaste helps whiten teeth, prevent gingivitis, and maintain fresh breath throughout the day.
6. Use a proper mouthwash
According to the ADA, therapeutic mouthwashes, which are often sold over the counter, can help decrease plaque, prevent or treat gingivitis, and slow the rate at which tartar forms. Although it can’t replace brushing or flossing, rinsing your mouth out can help eliminate food leftovers after eating. For proof that the product you buy is both effective and safe, look for the ADA seal.
