Practicing good oral hygiene is a must for healthy gums. If you want to avoid oral health issues, such as gum disease, you should know what needs to be done for proper maintenance.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is when there is a build-up of plaque and tartar on your gums. These substances are filled with bacteria, which cause infections leading to gum disease and tooth decay. It has three stages:
- Gingivitis is the early stage. This is where the gums feel tender and appear red, swollen and bleed easily. It can be treated with diligent brushing and flossing if caught early on.
- Mild to moderate periodontitis is the next stage, this is when there is more inflammation and bleeding around the tooth. This may then cause your gums to pull away from your teeth.
- Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease. The gums further recede from the tooth and there is more destruction of the bone that holds the teeth. Thus, causing them to become so loose that they must be removed.
So, how can you prevent all of those from happening? Here are some ways you can maintain healthy gums:
Avoid sugary treats and eat the right food.
Regularly eating sweets is not good for your oral health. Sugar is stubborn and tends to stay on your mouth for hours. Instead snack on health treats such as fruits, for example. The texture of apples help remove plaque on your teeth and gum line.
Never forget to brush your teeth.
This is the basic rule when it comes to oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day and to use a fluoridated toothpaste. You must also replace your toothbrush every three months.
Flossing helps remove plaque and bits of food that your toothbrush won’t be able to reach.
More than half of the surface of your teeth are found in between them. Daily flossing will help prevent bacteria from building up in these hard to reach places.
Aside from giving you fresh breath, it also helps reduce plaque and lowers your chance of getting gingivitis.
Get your teeth professionally cleaned.
Dentists will be able to prevent gum disease from happening. Regular visits, will help detect symptoms and treat them early on. Additionally the only way you can remove tough tartar is through professional cleaning. So, if you want a thorough cleaning, you should get the help of a professional.
Healthier gums mean healthier teeth, so taking care of them is no doubt a must. At Brite Dental, we believe that the foundations of a confident and beautiful smile are healthy teeth and gums that’s why we offer a wide array of dental services such as General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry and Orthodontics. With us, You can have regular check-ups and cleanings to maintain your oral health.
You won’t have to worry about gum disease if you can prevent it from happening in the first place. Consult with us and get your dental health on track!