Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? It’s true! Poor oral hygiene, certain lifestyle choices, and other factors can lead to the development of gum disease. So, how can we keep our gums healthy and prevent gum disease from developing? Here are some tips on how to maintain healthy gums for a lifetime.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
The number one key to maintaining healthy gums is good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing daily, and using mouthwash regularly. Brushing your teeth helps remove food particles that can become stuck between teeth and lead to plaque buildup. Flossing helps remove those hard-to-reach food particles and plaque from between teeth. Mouthwash helps kill bacteria that brushing and flossing may miss. All together, these three practices help keep our gums healthy by removing debris before it can cause damage or inflammation.
Watch What You Eat
Eating certain foods and drinks can have a detrimental effect on our dental health and gum health, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and periodontal disease. Sugary sweets are well known for their ability to cause tooth decay as the bacteria in our mouths feed off the sugars and form plaque which erodes tooth enamel over time. But savory snacks like chips and crackers can also be problematic as they stick to teeth and get lodged between them resulting in tooth decay. Acidic drinks like sodas inherently contain high amounts of sugar, but even if they’re low in sugar they can still lead to early tooth erosion due to their acidity which dissolves tooth enamel too. Sticky candy or sugary treats that stick to our teeth may also increase bacteria growth resulting in gum disease. Poor nutrition also impacts dental health by providing inadequate levels of minerals required for strong teeth, such as calcium or vitamin D, or by providing too much sugar which encourages bacteria growth. So it is important that we think carefully about what food and drinks we consume so that we don’t suffer from preventable tooth decay or gum disease.
Stay On Top Of Dental Visits
Regular dental visits are essential in maintaining good oral health since a professional cleaning removes any hard-to-reach plaque buildup that might have been missed during regular brushing and flossing sessions at home. Also, if you experience any signs of gum disease such as redness or swelling around your teeth or persistent bad breath you should make an appointment with your dentist right away so they can evaluate your situation further. Taking notice of early signs is very important when it comes to preventing periodontal diseases from progressing into more serious conditions that could potentially threaten not just your dental health but also your immune system as a whole!
Maintaining healthy gums requires diligence but it’s worth it in the long run! Following these simple tips will ensure that you stay on top of your dental health so that you don’t have to worry about developing gum disease or other issues down the line. Remember – practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing frequently, eating nutritious foods low in sugar content, and visiting the dentist regularly will all work together toward helping you achieve better overall dental health! If you’re in need of a dentist don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team at BlueWave Dentistry!