Did you know that your oral health is connected to your general health? Following good oral hygiene practices and great dietary habits promotes your physical and emotional health. By taking care of your dental health, you prevent issues like tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.
Oralhealth isn't just about how straight or white your teeth look. Even your gums contribute to your oral health. One of the reasons for toothaches is gum disease. Even if you don't have cavities, you can still get gum diseases.
When plaque builds up along or under the gum line, you're likely to get gum disease. Plaque has bacteria, and when ignored, it leads to tooth decay and gum disease. Some of the symptoms of gum disease include:
● Swollen, red, and sore gums
● Tender gums
● Gums bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss
If you ignore these signs, gum disease will lead to:
● A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath
● Shrinking gums
● Teeth might become loose or even fall out.
You can prevent gum disease by staying on top of your oral health. At the same time, talk to dental experts once you start noticing issues with your gum. Early treatment saves you a lot of pain and prevents the condition from worsening.
Gum disease can be prevented by taking the following measures.
Dentists recommend brushing the teeth after every meal or at least twice a day. This will help remove the food particles stuck along the gum line. Don't forget to scrub your tongue, which can also hold bacteria. You don't need a hard brush to eliminate plaque and bacteria. It will only injure your gums. Instead, get a brush with soft bristles.
You might even consider getting an electric or battery-powered toothbrush. These are more effective at removing food particles than manual brushing. After three or four months, replace your brush. These practices will help you maintain healthy gums.
Aside from brushing regularly, flossing is important as well. It removes plaque and food particles under your gum line and between the teeth. Do this every day instead of waiting until you feel something is stuck between the teeth.
Flossing daily helps you remove plaque from those places the toothbrush can't get. You can also use picks, interdental cleaners, or tiny brushes that fit between teeth. But first, talk to the dentist before using them to avoid damaging your gums.
Most people wait until there is a dental issue before scheduling a visit to the dentist. You don't need to wait for dental emergencies to see your doctor. When you go for regular cleaning, your doctor can detect symptoms of gum disease early. This allows you to get treatment before the issue worsens.
A professional cleaning will help remove the tartar and plaque you missed when flossing or brushing. If you have gingivitis, you can help reverse the condition through flossing, brushing, and seeing a dentist for regular cleaning.
Getan antibacterial mouthwash and use it to rinse your mouth to prevent gingivitis. It helps fight bad breath and reduces the development of tartar. Aside from that, mouthwash can help eliminate food particles in your mouth. Keep in mind that mouthwash isn't a substitute for brushing or flossing.
You achieve more when you combine these three methods because you're eliminating bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Talk to your dentist about which mouthwash is right for you. A product with the ADA seal means the mouthwash is safe and effective.
Smoking doesn't just affect your lungs and heart, but it can also harm your gum and teeth. This habit is associated with gingivitis. People who smoke are seven times more likely to be affected by gum disease than non-smokers.
Smoking also weakens your immune system. That means it will be harder to fight gum infection. And once your gums are damaged, it will be more challenging to heal.
Stress is part of life. But too much stress can lead to dental issues, including gum disease. When you're stressed, your body's ability to fight infections goes down. Combine that with poor oral health, and the chances of developing gum disease go higher.
A poor diet increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth feed on starches and sugars from your food. This leads to cavities and gum diseases. Avoid foods with too much sugar to keep your gums healthy. Proper nutrition also strengthens your immune system and helps your body fight infections easily.
Caring for your teeth and gums doesn't take too much time but goes a long way in keeping your oral health in good shape. Be consistent with oral care, see a dentist for cleaning and eat a healthy diet. These will help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Ruth Riley is an educator and writer.
She teaches linguistics to college students and also conducts studies about CBD. She also lends her knowledge as a woman and an educator by writing for MotherhoodCommunity.com.
