7 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Don’t wait until gum disease becomes a serious problem, book your dental check-up today to keep your smile healthy!

When thinking about your oral health, looking after your teeth is likely the first thing that comes to mind. However, keeping other parts of your mouth healthy, particularly your gums, is vital if you want to prevent gum disease and other dental issues. If you’re unsure about how to maintain healthy gums, it’s not as complicated as it may seem. With the right advice and a routine, you’ll be on the right track. 

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is when the gums become inflamed and sore. The early stages of gum disease can also involve symptoms like:

• Bleeding gums, particularly after brushing your teeth or flossing. 

• Red and swollen gums 

• Bad breath 

• Pain when chewing

Gum disease is more common than you might think, as research shows that some extent of gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) affects around 50-90% of the adult population. [i]. Gum disease is caused when plaque builds up on the teeth and starts to irritate the gums. This is usually the result of poor oral hygiene; however, some individuals are more susceptible to it than others. If gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to more severe symptoms, including receding gums, tooth loss, and gum abscesses. Of course, this is something you’ll want to avoid, but it can’t be prevented if you don’t take effort to protect your oral health. Let’s look at how you can maintain healthy gums. 

Tips for Preventing Gum Disease 

Floss Daily

It’s difficult for your toothbrush to reach certain areas in your mouth, like between your teeth and along your gumline. By flossing, you can remove plaque from places you might have missed otherwise, preventing it from building up and causing gum disease. 

Brush Twice a Day

From a young age, you’ve probably been told over and over that you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. If you don’t brush your teeth enough, bacteria and plaque can build up in your mouth, which can lead to not only gum disease, but also other issues, like bad breath and tooth decay. 

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Bacteria feed on the sugars in your mouth, and they produce acid as a result. This acid can erode tooth enamel, cause plaque to build up, and irritate the gums. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more difficult for acid from bacteria to cause issues. Children can be more susceptible to cavities, so it’s also important they use fluoride toothpaste to prevent future complications. 

Quit Smoking 

People who smoke pose a risk to their oral health because they increase the chance of problems, like gum disease, oral cancer, tooth decay, and slow healing after certain dental procedures. For those who smoke, it can often be more difficult for them to notice the signs of gum disease. For example, one symptom of gum disease is bleeding gums, but if you smoke, this decreases blood flow to the gums. 

Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating too many sugary foods, particularly snacking throughout the day or right before bed, can lead to poor oral health. Simply reducing sugary snacks and drinks can help protect your teeth and gums. With a balanced diet, you can get all the vitamins you need to keep your oral health intact, such as calcium, phosphorus, as well as vitamins C, D and A.  

Stay Hydrated 

A lack of saliva can cause all sorts of problems like bad breath, increased plaque and a higher risk of dental issues like gum disease and cavities. By drinking enough water and staying hydrated, you can encourage saliva production, which helps defend against bacteria and the acids they produce. 

Get More Vitamin C

Vegetables such as red bell peppers and broccoli, as well as fruits like oranges and grapefruit, are high in vitamin C. This vitamin plays a key role in your body's production of collagen, which provides strength and structure in your gums and other parts of your body. If your gums are strong and healthy, they’ll be less susceptible to symptoms associated with gum disease and can support your teeth better. 

Schedule Your Gum Disease Treatment with Rodericks

At Rodericks Dental Partners, we deliver tailored solutions for periodontics to meet your specific needs and improve your oral health. Our experienced dentists will also provide you with practical advice on how to keep your gums healthy, as well as how to maintain your overall oral health. In addition to gum disease treatment, regular dental check-ups (once every six months) can help your dentist identify any issues with your gums and teeth at an early stage, before they progress. You can use our practice locator to find your nearest dental practice and arrange an appointment with us today. 

[i] https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/gingivitis-periodontitis/background-information/prevalence/