Many think mouth health is all about straight and pearly white teeth. However, oral health goes beyond your teeth. Your gums are equally important in facilitating dental health. These tissues support your teeth and offer proper nourishment to the teeth root, thus keeping your teeth healthy. Therefore, when taking care of your teeth, you should never forget the gum. This way, you minimize the risk of periodontal diseases that could otherwise impair the functioning of the gum tissues. Here are guidelines that Dr. Anna Munné Houston recommends for keeping the gum healthy.
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Embrace Good Oral Hygiene Measures
It might sound obvious to practice oral hygiene at home, but these measures are crucial for gum health. Brush your teeth after every meal to avoid plaque accumulation in your teeth and gum line. Since brushing may not eliminate all the food particles, especially between the teeth, it is necessary to floss at least once per day. Use a gentle floss string that does not harm the gums during the exercise.
Eat Right
Whatever you eat says a lot when it comes to gum health. Sugarly meals like chocolate can increase the risk of tooth decay which is detrimental to your gum. Therefore, you should substitute these meals with a nutritious diet such as fruits and vegetables. These vitamin-rich meals are vital in gum development while reducing the likelihood of gum inflammation.
Stop Smoking
Many smokers do not realize the harm they cause to their oral health until something wrong happens. Essentially, cigarette chemicals hinder the proper blood circulation in the gum. Consequently, smokers become more predisposed to gum infections whose response to the treatment takes longer. Therefore, if you are a smoker, you should take the necessary initiatives to kick off this habit.
Stay Hydrated
Your saliva is crucial in lowering the chances of plaque build-up in your mouth. After enjoying your meals, the body releases saliva, which helps wash away the food debris from your teeth and gums. However, when you are dehydrated, your mouth will not produce adequate fluid, thus exposing you to gum diseases. Therefore, you should aim for at least two to three liters daily for optimal hydration.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
How often do you see your dentist? If you cannot remember the last appointment with your dentist, you are at risk of gum disease. It would help if you did not wait until you have a dental concern to visit the dental clinic.
Make an appointment with your provider at least twice annually. Through these visits, your dentist will detect the early signs of periodontal disease and offer the appropriate treatment options.
Your mouth health is not just about the looks of your teeth but also the gum health. Therefore, you should give the gum tissues the attention they deserve to continue living on top of your life. For example, you should practice good oral hygiene by brushing to alleviate the food debris along your teeth and gum. Besides, it would be best to eat vitamin-rich meals to keep your gums healthy. A regular visit to your dentist will also help to ensure that your gums are in good condition.