Good oral health is not just about how clean or straight your teeth are. Gums play a significant role as well in dental health. Cavity-free teeth do not in any way mean that you are insusceptible to periodontitis and gingivitis.
Daily brushing and flossing
Doctors recommend the need to brush at least twice a day.
When shopping for a toothbrush, look for one with soft bristles that will not damage the gums.
Brushing too hard can cause the gums to bleed due to inflammation.
Flossing reaches out to areas not addressed with the usual brushing. Gum disease often comes about as a result of bacteria residing in plaque and tartar buildup.
Plaque is sticky due to the combination of food debris, bacteria, mucus, and all forms of germs. When plaque is not significantly cleaned, it hardens up and thus facilitating bacterial overgrowth.
Bacterial overgrowth is the leading cause of gingivitis or gum inflammation.
Flossing helps in removing all the excess plaque buildup to avert infection. To avoid shattering the floss against your gums, dentists recommend using a tender back-and-forth motion.
Be mindful of your diet
Nutrition has a direct bearing on the health of your gums and teeth. For instance, foods rich in vitamins and calcium strengthen the gums and the enamel. A balanced diet boosts the immune system for the gums to fight against bacterial infection.
As much as possible, limit the intake of sugary and acidic foods. The breakdown of sugar releases an acid that eats away at the gums and enamel. Overall, you must watch what you consume. Substances such as tobacco and alcohol can have detrimental effects on the gums.
Inflammation, swelling, bleeding, redness, and tenderness are some of the critical signals that point to the onset of gum disease. When you notice one or more of the said symptoms, consider reaching out to our doctors for immediate medical intervention. Our doctors are just a call away.
