How Can You Keep Your Gums Healthy? | Kirkland Premier Dentistry
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How Can You Keep Your Gums Healthy?

April 6, 2021

Few people know the importance of gum health. If you are here, it means you are mindful of the fact that gums are as important as teeth for oral health. 

It is the gums that hold the teeth together in the perfect way and protect them by providing armor underneath.

Even when your teeth are disease-free, you need to constantly care for gums for long-lasting teeth. 

It is the gum and bone that complete the entire tooth structure. Gum disease can lead to tooth decay & extraction.

The main cause of gum disease is plaque. Gingivitis is its initial stage, beginning with inflammation of the tissues enveloping the teeth- mostly due to poor dental hygiene.

Gingivitis is characterized by red and swollen gums that bleed on brushing or flossing

When food gets lodged in the mouth and is not cleaned soon enough, it mixes with saliva & bacteria to form plaque. 

With time the plaque hardens to form tartar. Tartar can only be removed with professional cleaning or scaling.

Tartar is very harmful to the gum and causes gingivitis. 

The second stage is periodontitis, which is a more severe and serious stage of gum disorders.  It affects the bones underneath and makes the teeth unstable.

The Risk Factors

Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking are not only bad for teeth but also for gums. 

Regular smoking can kick off gum problems. And if there is any infection, smoking makes it difficult to heal. 

Consumption of tobacco & alcohol affects the oral defense mechanism adversely. If you are facing problems, it is a good time to quit. 

Be regular with your dental appointments to keep a check on oral health and the removal of hardened tartar. 

At Kirkland Premier Dentistry, we give special counseling for you.

At Kirkland Premier Dentistry Dr. Gaurav Sharma has 400+ hours of Continuing education from the prestigious AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry).

He applies for the latest research & advances in dentistry to provide the best dental care to patients.

Cancer Treatment

The medicines and therapy used for cancer treatment can make a person more prone to gum infection.

Stress

Stress also lowers immunity and weakens the response to bad bacteria.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes in women, especially at the time of pregnancy and menopause have a high risk of gum disorders, so they must be extra vigilant about oral health.

Crowded Teeth, Braces & Bridges

The above makes cleaning and flossing hard, thereby increasing the risk of building plaque.

Train with your dentist regarding the best way to clean and use special devices for flossing around bridges and braces. As for crowded teeth, go for orthodontic treatment.

Poor Nutrition

Lack of vitamin C and scurvy cause mouth abrasions and gum bleeding. Adequate nutrition is essential for a healthy mouth. 

Prevention- Keeping Gums Healthy

The principle of prevention is stopping plaque formation and promoting gum health with a proper diet and nutrition. 

But apart from this, there are certain risk factors too, that make you susceptible to gingivitis.

Follow the protocol given below to prevent gum disorders and enjoy excellent oral health.

Using the Right Products

Advertisements and attractive slogans on dental products attract us and we get lured into using them.

Be careful about the products that go directly into the mouth, whether it is toothpaste, floss, or mouthwash. 

How do find out the one that is best suited for healthy gums? Look for the ADA seal and then buy the product.

Visiting a Dental Clinic Every 6 Months

Following your dental check-ups, twice a year is not only good for your pearly whites but also gums.

Professional cleaning at Kirkland Premier Dentistry is advised to remove tartar that cannot be taken care of at home.

Unattended tartar starts multiplying to increase plaque formation.

Flossing

Floss is the enemy of plaque. Floss your teeth twice daily to clear food judgment and prevent the formation of plaque or bacterial colonies that inflame the gums.

Brushing alone is not enough as it can not reach all places in your mouth. The timing does not matter, but you must do it two times ideally.

Also Read: Bad Foods for your Teeth

Using a Medicinal Mouth Rinse

Therapeutic mouthwash helps in curbing gingivitis. You can buy them over the counter.

Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, they help in the reduction of plaque formation and improve gums health.

They have other benefits such as protecting enamel and strengthening.

Using Fluoridated Toothpaste

The use of fluoride toothpaste is protective of gums. You can buy that over the counter, but do look for the ADA seal.

Remember, prevention starts at home. Although the periodic dental examination is vital to detect early signs of gum disease, you have to take all these measures to have long-lasting teeth.

For any kind of dental emergency, feel free to contact us online or call the office.

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