When people think of their oral health, they usually focus on their teeth. After all, a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile often equate to having white and straight teeth. Though they play a crucial role in our oral health, the gums are often neglected as we pursue that smile. However, gums are our teeth’s supporting framework that holds them in place. They also function as a barrier and guard against pathogenic microorganisms; without them, food particles and germs would easily find their way deeper into your teeth. Therefore, keeping your gums healthy can prevent gum diseases that can cause tooth loss and destroy the tissues and bones that support your mouth’s structure. At Peak Dental Arts, our state-of-the-art dental clinic provides proficient and personalized dental services to prevent the onset of gum-related diseases.
Best Dental Practices
Here are some dental practices that will help keep your gums healthy:
Brush Twice a Day
To maintain healthy gums, brush your teeth twice daily – in the morning and the evening. Brushing aids in the removal of food particles, preventing bacteria and plaque from accumulating in your mouth. When plaque is allowed to build up and remain on your teeth, it can eventually solidify into tartar under your gum line. Tartar can lead to inflammation and cause gum disease.
Brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also use an electric toothbrush, which provides superior plaque removal compared to a manual toothbrush. Ensure that you replace your toothbrush every three months or as soon as the bristles start to wear.
Visit Your Dental Clinic For Regular Cleanings
Routine dental checkups allow your dentist to identify the earliest signs of gum disease so you can get treatment before symptoms become serious. Regular cleanings also remove plaque and tartar from your gums and can reverse gingivitis, a mild gum disease. Visit the dentist twice a year to keep your gums healthy. You might need to go more frequently if you have a history of gum disease.
Floss Once a Day
Food crumbs get trapped between your teeth and below the gum line when you eat. Even the most effective toothbrushes can’t remove all debris between your teeth’s crevices and fissures. The remaining food particles may eventually irritate your gums, resulting in gingivitis, plaque and tartar buildup. Flossing once a day keeps your teeth sparkling and your gums healthy. Floss each tooth by going up and around the gum line to eliminate any buried matter your toothbrush may have missed.
Eat Healthy Foods
What you eat has a significant impact on your gum health. For example, dairy products like milk and cheese are a significant source of calcium, which plays a crucial role in strengthening gums and teeth. Meanwhile, drinking water after eating sweets or other sticky foods cleans your mouth and flushes away leftover food particles that encourage bacteria growth. Raw fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, celery, apples and other fibrous and crunchy foods can increase salivation, which naturally cleans your mouth. These healthy eating habits help prevent the accumulation of bacteria, reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar and lower the risk of gum disease.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
When combined with regular brushing and flossing, mouthwash can help reduce plaque and gingivitis. You can lessen your risk of gum disease and protect your teeth against decay by using mouthwash that contains fluoride and antibacterial substances. It can also reduce plaque biofilm and eradicate bacteria on non-tooth oral surfaces. These include the cheeks and tongue and difficult-to-reach areas below the gum line.
Avoid Eating Lots of Sugar
Consuming sugary foods and beverages leads to the development of gum diseases. That is because the sugar from foods and beverages mixes with microorganisms in your mouth to create acid that damages your teeth and gums. This damage can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth and destroy the supporting tissues holding your teeth in place.
Don’t Smoke
Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease than nonsmokers. Smoking impairs your immune system, making it more difficult to fight gum infections. Furthermore, once gums are damaged, smoking makes it more difficult for them to heal. Smoking also causes plaque and tartar to form because tobacco products contain chemicals that alter saliva flow, making it easier for bacteria to stick to teeth and gums.
Are You Looking For a Dental Clinic in North Vancouver?
If you’re concerned about gum disease, contact Peak Dental Arts. The dentists in our North Vancouver dental clinic provide periodontal treatment for every stage of gum disease, from gingivitis to periodontitis, and can restore the health of your gums and smile.
Call us at 604-980-9999 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.
