When it comes to maintaining oral health, it is essential that you not only focus on the teeth, your gums to need proper care and attention. Your gums deserve special care to stay healthy. When the gums are healthy, it will certainly not culminate into gum disease.
About Gum Disease
Gum disease starts when plaque forms under the gum line. A sticky substance that is filled with bacteria is known as Plaque. It causes infections that hurt the bone and gum subsequently decaying of tooth and gum disease. Plaque causes gingivitis which leads to inflammation, swelling of the gum making the gum prone to bleeding.
Another significant gum disease is periodontitis which has an impact on the bones which hold the teeth in position. If it is left untreated, then it can damage the gums, tissues, and bones connected to the teeth.
Advanced periodontitis is the final & ultimate stage of gum disease where the bone & fibres supporting the teeth gets destroyed. You will face immense difficulty when it comes to biting any food and requires the teeth to get removed. (1)
Signs Of Gum Diseases
Signs that are an indication that you have gum disease include the following:
- Constantly bad breath & taste
- Permanent teeth getting separated or becoming loose
- Gums which easily bleeds
- Swollen gums
- Gums which have pulled away from the teeth
Gums disease can be prevented. There are a few things that can be done to keep the gums healthy.
- Brush Teeth Properly
You should devote 4 minutes a day to brush your teeth; 2mins for brushing teeth in the morning and 2 mins for brushing teeth before retiring to bed. Here arises the need for brushing teeth with an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush comes with an inbuilt timer that reminds you not only to brush teeth for 2mins but when to move your toothbrush from one quadrant to another. Make sure the toothpaste that you use should contain fluoride as it is effective in eliminating plaque. Brush your teeth in a gentle, scrubbing & circular motion. Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or an ordinary toothbrush, it must have a small head thus making it easier to reach even the difficult corner.
- Choose Toothbrush Which Soft Bristles
A toothbrush that has hard bristles easily hurt the gums, thus it is highly recommended to buy the one that comes with soft bristles. Most of the dentists suggest brushing teeth with an electric toothbrush to the patients as it is effective in cleaning the teeth & eliminates plaque.
- Be Watchful Of Your Food
To keep your gums healthy, it is imperative that you should be watchful of what you eat. As you consume the food, it gets mixed with bacteria which are present in the mouth leading to disease in the gums. You must consume calcium-rich foods like milk and cheese. Calcium, a crucial mineral nutrient for the teeth is vital for children as well as aged people. Try to avoid savouries like pastries, candies & other sweets items.
- Quit Smoking
Smoking not only causes stains on the teeth, loss of tooth and bad breath but also leads to gum disease. So, it is advisable that give up smoking and never let gum disease creates discomfort.
- Rinse Mouth After Flossing & Brushing
The mouth is that part of the body that carries the maximum bacteria. Therefore, make sure to clean the teeth regularly & appropriately. Flossing & brushing of teeth is not adequate; rinse mouth with a mouthwash that prevents accumulation of bacteria & plaque.
- Go For A Regular Dental Check-Up
It is the dentist who can detect early gum disease signs & symptoms when you visit them on a regular basis. By means of professional cleaning, you can get rid of any kind of disease on your gums.
When you follow the above-mentioned ways, you can indeed keep your gums healthy.
Ana Miller is a creative writer. Her topics of interest and expertise range from psychology to all sorts of disciplines such as science and news.