How to take care of your gums?
When it comes to your oral health, it doesn’t only matter how straight, and strong your teeth are, or how bright your smile is. You can’t forget your gums too! Even if you don’t have cavities and your smile dazzles, that doesn’t mean you are immune to gum disease. Because gum disease is (at first) usually painless, most people have no idea that there is something wrong with their gums.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease starts when a plaque builds up under and along the gums. The plaque is an adhesive film-like substance filled with bacteria. It can cause infections that damage the gums, causing gum disease and tooth decay.
How to recognize gum disease?
Gum disease can occur if your gums are:
- inflammatory
- sensitive
- red
- swollen
- they have a tendency to bleed
- persistent bad breath
How to prevent gum disease?
Gum disease is preventable. Here are some ways to help keep your gums healthy.
Tooth irrigator
Use an irrigator (home airflow) that removes plaque and food residue from areas where the toothbrush does not reach. Use floss only when there is a real need.
Professional cleaning
Your dentist will be able to detect early symptoms of gum disease if you go to a regular appointment. This way, the symptoms can be treated before they get worse. Professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar.
Quit smoking
Smoking is strongly associated with the development of gum disease. Because smoking weakens your immune system, it also makes it harder to fight gum infection. In addition, smoking makes it harder for the gums to heal after they have been damaged.
Clean your teeth and tongue
This helps to remove food and plaque from between your teeth and gums. Also, rub your tongue because it also has contaminating bacteria. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and should fit comfortably in your mouth.
Think of an electric toothbrush. This can help to reduce gingivitis and plaque more than manual brushing. Replace toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every three to four months, or more frequently as the bristles begin to wear out.
Be sure to use a fluoride-containing toothpaste for cleaning your teeth.
Also, check out our services to help prevent gum disease.