Six Strategies to Maintain Gum Health

Gum Disease: What Is It?

To start, plaque buildup along and below the gum line is the first sign of gum disease. The bacteria-filled sticky material known as plaque can cause infections that harm the bone and gums, resulting in gum disease and tooth decay.

The early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is brought on by plaque and can cause your gums to become inflammatory, sensitive, red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. Periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that affects the bones supporting the teeth, can develop from gum disease, though.

Periodontitis can seriously harm the tissues, bones, and gums that surround teeth if it is not treated. The most serious stage of gum disease, advanced periodontitis, can cause the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth to break down, altering your bite and necessitating tooth extraction.

Gum disease can be avoided. Here are some tips to help you maintain healthy gums.

Routine Dental Cleanings

Regular dental visits can aid in spotting early indications of gum disease, allowing for timely treatment before it worsens. Professional cleanings can get rid of the tartar and plaque you missed, and if you have gingivitis, they can even cure it.

Floss

Daily flossing is important; it is best to do it at night, but any time is OK. It is advised by the American Dental Association (ADA) to remove plaque and food debris that your toothbrush can’t remove.

No Smoking

Quit smoking; there is a clear connection between smoking and gum disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking impairs immune function and makes it harder to fight off gum infections (CDC). Moreover, smoking slows down your gums’ ability to recover from damage.

Twice Daily Brushing

To remove food and plaque accumulation, it is advised that you wash your teeth twice a day, particularly after meals. To remove bacteria, you should clean your tongue in addition to your teeth. It’s advised to use a toothbrush with soft bristles that comfortably fits your mouth. You can also think about switching to an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, which can be more successful in lowering plaque and gingivitis. Every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed, replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head. Try using an electric toothbrush right now.

Put Fluoride Toothpaste To Use

The choices for toothpaste might be dizzying, with promises of gingivitis reduction, breath refreshing, and teeth whitening. Nonetheless, it is advised to use fluoride-containing toothpaste that has received ADA approval in order to ensure healthy gums. After making this decision, you may choose the taste and colour of your choice. Some internet vendors sell fluoride toothpaste.

Use a Restorative Mouthwash

Without a prescription, therapeutic mouthwashes can be purchased and are intended to lessen the pace of tartar buildup, prevent or treat gingivitis, or provide a combination of both of these benefits. They can help you clean out your mouth of food particles and detritus, but they can’t take the place of brushing or flossing. It is advised to choose a mouthwash that has the ADA mark of acceptability, indicating that it has been examined and determined to be both reliable and secure.

Whether you brush, floss, or rinse first is irrelevant. Use the proper tools and just perform a good job.

You can learn more about this topic by reading some articles here.