Critical Habits for Good Gum Health

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, isn’t something you can afford to take lightly. If left unchecked, it can erode soft tissue and destroy the bone that supports your teeth. That can result in loose or even lost teeth. It’s so much easier (and more affordable) to keep your gums healthy than it is to treat gum disease. So what should you do to keep your gums healthy?

Eat Smart

If you want healthy gums, you have to be smart about what you eat. Some foods help keep your mouth, including your gums, healthy, while other foods are a threat. Some foods, like dairy products and chewing gum, increase saliva production which can help wash food particles away from your teeth, preventing them from contributing to tooth decay and gum disease. Fibrous foods gently scrub your mouth, helping it stay cleaner. Black and green teas may reduce bacteria populations that cause gum disease. In contrast, sugary or sticky foods are more likely to contribute to gum disease as will alcoholic drinks that dry out your mouth.

Brush, Floss, and Use Mouthwash

Good oral hygiene practices don’t just protect the teeth, they also keep your gums healthy. Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to your gums and be gentle with brushing. That helps keep your gums clean without damaging them. Because tiny food particles can sometimes get stuck between your teeth and gums, flossing is critical to maintaining gum health. Flossing once a day helps keep that area free of plaque and tartar, which contribute to gum disease. Finish off with a therapeutic mouthwash to wash away food particles, reduce plaque, and keep your gums healthy.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental visits are also critical to maintaining gum health. Your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth, remove any plaque or tartar, and check to see how healthy your gums and the underlying bone is. They’ll check for early signs of gum disease so it can be treated before it progresses too far. If it looks like plaque and tartar have developed underneath your gums, your dentist may recommend a scaling and planing treatment to preserve the health of your gums.

Having healthy gums matters. In addition to preserving the health and strength of your teeth, thereby reducing your risk of tooth loss, healthy gums may reduce your risk of developing diabetes and having strokes. Pay attention to your gums as well as your teeth when practicing oral hygiene to keep them as healthy as possible.

Regular dental visits are critical for healthy gums. Click here to contact South Temple Dental today to set up your next appointment.