You can’t ignore your gums! Though you are cavity-free, it doesn’t imply you are resistant to gum disease. As it is generally pain free, most individuals have no clue that their gums are defective with anything.
Gum disease begins when plaque develops under and on the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film-like substance lined with germs. It can lead to infection that damage the gum and bone, resulting to gum disease and decay of the tooth.
Plaque can also trigger gingivitis, the earliest phase of gum disease. Gingivitis tends to lead your gums to be:
- prone to bleeding
Since the tissue and bone keeping the teeth in place are not affected, this damage is curable.
You may also create periodontitis, an advanced type of gum disease. Periodontitis affects the bones that keep your teeth in place. If untreated, it can destroy your teeth’s gums, tissues and bones.
The latter phase of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. It’s when the fibers and bone that support your teeth are crushed. It can affect your bite, and you may need to remove your teeth.
As per the American Dental Association (ADA), indications that you may have gum disease include:
- Gums that bleed
- Gums that are red, tender or swollen
- Separate or loose permanent teeth
- Gums that backed away from your teeth
- Constantly bad breath
Gum disease can be prevented. Here are some methods you can assist to maintain your gums safe and healthy.
Brush twice every day
After each meal, brush your teeth. This helps prevent the food and plaque stuck around your teeth and gums. As it can contain germs, scrub your tongue too. Usually your toothbrush should have soft bristles and fit perfectly in your mouth.
Find an electric or battery-operated toothbrush. These can assist to decrease gingivitis and plaque more than brushing manually. Change toothbrush heads every three to four months or toothbrushes sooner when the bristles begin to break down.
Get proper dental cleanings
If you visit the dentist regularly, you can identify symptoms of early gum disease. That way symptoms can be resolved before they become more severe. The only way to remove tartar is through professional cleaning. This can also get rid of any plaque you forgot while brushing or flossing. If you have gingivitis, do brushing, flossing and regular dental cleanings which might assist reverse it.
Use a therapeutic mouthwash
According to the ADA, therapeutic mouthwashes normally available over the counter can assist decrease plaque, protect gingivitis, lower the speed that tartar builds. Additionally a rinse clears away food particles and debris from your mouth, although flossing or brushing is not a replacement. Look for the ADA seal, which implies that it is considered secure and reliable.
Floss once a day at least. According to the ADA, this clears away the plaque and food beyond the reach of your toothbrush. It doesn’t matter when you floss. You can do it in the morning, do it after lunch or after dinner. All you need to do floss regularly!
Use Fluoride toothpaste
Store shelves are filled with products that claim to decrease gingivitis, whiten teeth and freshen breath as for toothpaste. So how would you understand to see which is safest for healthy gums? Ensure to use fluoride-containing toothpaste with the ADA approval seal.
Smoking is highly related to the onset of gum disease, this is another reason to stop smoking. Whereas smoking reduces your immune system, it also makes a gum infection more difficult, state the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).It also makes it harder for your gums to cure once they are damaged.
Use the right products to keep your gums healthy.
Reference from : Healthline