Taking care of your gums is a very important part of oral health since they act as the structure to keep teeth in place while also covering the tooth root and jaw bones protecting all that surface from bacteria and food particles. Having proper gum health will prevent gum disease.
The first thing to understand about gums is that as they are such soft tissue and we usually don’t feel anything on them, it is a little tricky to diagnose any condition just by eye. But by having regular dental checkups and paying enough attention it is possible to see some signals of early gum disease, like discoloration, spots, injuries, and even some gum recession.
The bacteria in plaque produce acids that can harm enamel and cause cavities
One of the most important things to be aware of when trying to keep your gums healthy is dental plaque. Dental plaque is a thin sticky film of bacteria that covers your teeth and gums. This coat of bacteria is caused by poor dental hygiene and over time, it could wear down your tooth enamel and gums, causing gingivitis which is the first stage of periodontal disease.
That is why it is better to do something about it while is still reversible. Let´s see some tips that can help you take good care of your gums and avoid gingivitis successfully.
What is gum disease and how does it affect your oral health?
Gum disease is one of the most common health conditions of the gums; according to statistics, it affects 50% of the American population and when it is not treated it could turn into its more severe form called periodontitis.
Gum disease starts when the plaque build-up gets under the gum line; as mentioned before, plaque is essentially an accumulation of bacteria and it could cause gum infection, tooth loss, and even could affect the jaw bone and the immune system.
The good news is that, fortunately, in its first stages, gum disease is completely reversible and easy to treat. Your dentist will perform a professional cleaning and would recommend fluoride toothpaste. Some of the signs of gingivitis are bleeding gums, inflammation, and swollen or tender gums.
If not treated, gum disease could cause tooth decay and complications in your overall health.
Without proper care, gum disease could turn into periodontal disease which can cause tooth decay and permanent damage to the bone. Recent studies have proven that gum disease is related to hypertension and other medical conditions.
Older adults, patients with dentures or braces, people who smoke tobacco products, and patients with a family history of dental disease are at higher risk of developing gum disease.
So, if you fit in one of these categories it is essential to have good gum care to prevent tooth decay and any other mouth disease.
How to have healthy gums
For healthy gums, the first thing your dentist will recommend is to brush your teeth daily. Brushing your teeth twice a day will get rid of most of the food and plaque build up, and remove tartar.
Remember to gently brush your gums too with slow strokes. Avoid being too aggressive or you will hurt them instead of cleaning them nicely.
At the same time, using the right toothpaste when brushing helps a lot too. Search for fluoride toothpaste to attack bacteria and get rid of them. If you need more fluoride than what is found in over-the-counter toothpaste, your dentist will make you a prescription for a special one.
Using dental floss after brushing can help you clean real good between your teeth, saving your gums in the process too.
Flossing will be your best ally to keep the health of your mouth. Do not forget to rinse your mouth using an antiseptic mouthwash to keep your gums nice and neat. This will help you to protect the health of your gums and avoid bad breath.
When flossing you will be taking care of your teeth, gums, and immune system.
Buy products with the American Dental Association Seal of approval. That will guarantee that you are acquiring one of the best products for your dental care in the market. If you want good prices and deals, maybe you should consider shopping in Los Algodones pharmacies.
Don´t forget to keep an eye on some of the most common signs of gingivitis. If you see some bleeding after brushing, can´t get rid of the bad breath, and see overall swollen gums, then do not waste more time and seek the help of a dentist.
Patients who use dentures need to pay special attention to oral hygiene to avoid gum disease
And, of course, visit your dentist at least twice a year to get a professional cleaning and a routine checkup. In case your dentist diagnoses gum disease, you will receive the proper treatment plan and medications if needed so you can have a healthy and beautiful smile.
Tips to keep your gums healthy
These are some tips and advice on how to take care of your gums to have the best oral health and prevent tooth decay.
Brushing and flossing is the best way to keep your gums healthy. Brush your teeth after every meal to remove food debris. If possible, floss after you eat or at least once a day. Having good oral hygiene is the key to avoiding complications.
When brushing your teeth don’t forget to brush your tongue and cheeks. A lot of bacteria accumulates in the tongue and the rest of the mouth, so brush and rinse after every food to prevent plaque buildup.
It is recommended to use a toothbrush with soft bristles to brush your teeth and gums, especially if you already have some signs of gum disease.
Change your toothbrush every 3 months and choose to buy your next toothbrush and toothpaste from brands under ADA regulations, especially if your doctor recommends toothpaste with fluoride.
One of the best pieces of medical advice that everybody constantly hears is to quit smoking cigarettes. Smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged and causes dry mouth, which allows the food and plaque to build up and stick to your teeth and gums, provoking gum disease and tooth loss.
Drinking enough water will do as much good to your mouth as it does to the rest of your body. Water makes the teeth’ enamel stronger and protects the gingival tissues.
Finally, visit the dentist’s office often to receive good dental care and gum care. Treating cavities on time and professionally removing the plaque from difficult areas will prevent gum disease and many other complications.
Get a professional dentist’s help in Los Algodones Dental Solutions
If you want healthy teeth and gum then going to the dentist twice a year for cleaning and checkup will put you on the right path. Many patients wait until it’s too late to go and seek help at the dentist.
In case you are suffering from gingivitis, you can get your gums healthy and medically reviewed. The dentist can perform some special cleaning like scaling so it will help to heal your gums and prevent the problem from getting worse.
If the problem is more advanced and you are on periodontitis, then a periodontal expert will be the best for the treatment.
Taking care of your oral health doesn’t have to be expensive or an unpleasant experience. Here at Dental Solutions in Los Algodones are very proud to offer our patients an invaluable service and the best care at an affordable cost, so they can smile again and enjoy good health. Contact us now to get your first appointment.