Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, and it also is the most prevalent type of disease in the world. Although it’s true that it’s not as fatal as diabetes or cancer, having no teeth can bring lifestyle and health complications in your old age. If you want to start early and keep your gums pink and healthy, here are eight important tips to follow.
1. Change your toothbrush regularly.
Your toothbrush is actually a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. It is often moist and kept in an enclosed storage that creates an environment for bacterial growth. These bacteria can be transferred from your toothbrush to your teeth and gums, increasing the number of oral bacteria and heightening the risk of gum infection. A good rule of thumb would be to change your toothbrush every three to four months or when you notice that the bristles are changing colour or spreading.
2. Brush as thoroughly as possible.
Brushing twice a day is easy, but do you brush your teeth properly? Some people may be brushing several times a day but only removing a minimal amount of plaque and food debris because they brush too fast. The secret of optimal brushing is spending time and covering all areas, especially the back teeth that are most susceptible to cavity formation.
3. Floss regularly.
A lot of food particles can get stuck in between teeth and brushing doesn’t effectively clean these tight spaces. Flossing will be able to clean whatever the toothbrush has left unclean. However, be careful when flossing because applying too much force can cause gum bleeding, and a cut in the gums can increase the risk of bacterial infection.
Do you sometimes feel a layer of sticky food debris along your gum lining in between the teeth? This can be the precursor to the plaque. This sticky layer can get into the gums as it gets pushed by chewing motion. Whenever you feel this sticky lining covering the division between your teeth and gums, use a Proxabrush/Younifloss to scrape it away as gently as you can to avoid hurting your gums.
4. Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash.
Mouthwash is a great cleaner because if your gargle it well, it can pass through the tiniest gaps in your teeth. It also cleans and removes bacteria in the whole mouth including the tongue and palate that are often missed when brushing the teeth.
5. Eat foods like cheese, apples and celery.
Cheese is a creamy dairy product that contains a lot of calcium. It can help remove plaque from your teeth as you bite on it, and the calcium adds strength to your tooth enamel. Apples and celery are just examples of the firm, water-filled raw foods that can exercise the gums, neutralize acidity and rinse away excess food debris inside and around the mouth.
6. Minimize sugar consumption.
Sugar is the food of bacteria, and if you have a gum infection, eating sweets can speed up the spread of the infection. Avoid eating sugar-loaded foods like candies, cookies, cakes, pastries, soda and dried fruits. Not only do they feed bacteria, they also leave a film of sugar over your teeth and gums.
7. Visit your dentist at least once every six months.
Regular dental check-ups can effectively track the early signs of gum disease and stop it from spreading before it gets any worse. Your dentist will clean your teeth and gums at every visit, reducing your chances of getting dental problems in the future.
The gums may not be as prominent as teeth but they serve a very important purpose. Getting dental treatment or denture implants in total with improve your gum health and ensure that you have a beautiful, sparkling smile even in your old age.