Having healthy gums is vital to your oral health, and this is why you want to keep them strong. Did you know that gum disease affects your whole body and not just your teeth? Gum disease involves plaque buildup around your gums, and this means that there could be significant plaque buildup around your arteries. This leads to heart disease and strokes. If you’re diabetic, it affects the blood vessels in your gums. When there is a lack of blood flow, gum disease worsens over time. Gum disease can lead to tooth decay and loss, and this is why healthy gums are crucial. Here are ways to have healthy gums.
Regular Dental Checkups
Having healthy gums starts with regular dental checkups. The dentist can examine your teeth and gums and perform tests to determine if you have gum disease and other dental problems. If you don’t have Medicaid or dental insurance, many dentists offer flexible payment plans for their services. This is better than going for years without knowing if you have gum disease or not.
Adjust Your Diet
Another way to keep your gums healthy is to change what you eat. Cut back on eating sweets since they gradually lead to gum disease. If you eat sweets occasionally, brush twice a day, and floss. Fatty fish has anti-inflammatory properties that help your gums thrive. Milk and cheese contain anti-bacterial enzymes that protect your gums from inflammation. Eat probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of minerals and vitamins needed for better gum health.
Drink More Water
Sugary beverages aren’t healthy for the gums because they cause the bacteria in your mouth to feed on the sugars, and they erode your teeth’s enamel over time. It’s better to drink more water because it eliminates the bacteria around your gums and teeth, leading to fewer chances of gum disease.
Floss In Between the Teeth
You know how important it is to brush your teeth, but flossing in between the teeth also contributes to healthier gums. When food remains in your teeth, this is a breeding ground for bacteria to grow and cause gum disease over time. You can use regular floss, Waterpiks, and floss picks.
Brush Teeth with Baking Soda Occasionally
On days when you run out of toothpaste, brush your teeth with baking soda. When I worked in home health care, my client used to do this. Baking soda can decrease the plaque buildup that causes gum disease. It can also whiten your teeth naturally until your next teeth whitening at the dentist. To use this method, combine equal parts of water and baking soda in a small bowl. Then dip the toothbrush into the mixture and brush as usual. Finally, rinse out your mouth a few times.
Replace Your Toothbrush
It’s not wise to keep the same toothbrush for months. Dentists recommend that you replace your toothbrush every three months. After three months, toothbrush bristles become frayed and ineffective in giving you the results you need. Frayed toothbrushes can also cause gum irritation and recession.
I Have Gum Disease. What Do I Do?
So your dentist told you that you have gum disease, but it’s not completely over for you. Now that you know you have it, you can educate yourself on how to manage it. Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly, and use antimicrobial mouthwash. Your dentist may recommend a surgical procedure if he feels that the condition is becoming severe. For example, gum grafts may be needed to replace damaged gum tissues.
Common Oral Hygiene Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes people make when caring for their gums and teeth. One is only brushing your teeth in the morning. During the day, you’re eating various foods and brushing your teeth at night eliminates the bacteria from the food you ate throughout the day. You also shouldn’t brush your teeth too hard because it causes enamel erosion and gum recession over time. Another mistake is not brushing long enough. You should brush for at least two minutes. Overuse of teeth whitening products is not good because they’re abrasive on your gums.
Consequences of Poor Gum Health
Earlier, we discussed how poor gum health affects your heart health and blood sugar levels if you’re diabetic. But gum disease can irritate your respiratory system because your gums’ bacteria eventually reach your lungs. You may experience frequent swollen and bleeding gums, tender gums, and sometimes persistent bad breath that won’t go away. It erodes your confidence in your appearance, and there is the threat of tooth decay or tooth loss. Sleep apnea is also linked to poor gum health. When you have sleep apnea, you breathe through your mouth. This is problematic because it decreases saliva flow in your mouth, and bacteria increase around the gums. People with sleep apnea also struggle with teeth grinding at night, which harms gum tissue.
Gum Health for Seniors
Senior citizens often experience decreased saliva production, which leads to dry mouth and gum disease. Gum recession is also common among seniors, and gum recession occurs when the tooth roots are exposed. It makes your teeth prone to tooth decay and sensitivity. Foods high in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and leafy greens, can reduce gum disease in seniors.
Medications’ Effects on Oral Health
Your medications affect your gums. Antidepressants contribute to dry mouth and sometimes tooth decay. Certain blood pressure medicines cause gum swelling and even overgrowth. Aspirin is acidic and, as a result, it erodes your tooth’s enamel. Chemotherapy medicines may cause gum inflammation. If you feel that your medications are causing oral health problems, tell your doctor. Maybe he can adjust the dosage or give you a different medicine. Another idea is to ask your dentist to give you topical fluoride to keep your gums healthy.
Taking care of our gums might feel like just another chore, but it’s truly an investment in our overall well-being. Think of that comfortable feeling when you smile, eat your favorite foods without a second thought, or simply wake up with renewed confidence. By weaving these simple habits into your daily routine – from that consistent flossing to those regular check-ups – you’re not just preventing problems, you’re actively building a foundation for a healthier you.