How to Keep Your Gums Healthy
Submitted by Dr. Samir Ayoub on December 4, 2019 - 9:00 am
When it comes to oral health, some people focus exclusively on their teeth while forgetting about their gums. However, healthy teeth need healthy gums. If the gums are not well cared-for and end up developing problems, it can threaten the health of the teeth, too.
Luckily, Dr. Samir Ayoub is an excellent resource on gum health. Here, he suggests the best ways to keep the gums healthy and disease-free.
Brush and Floss Every Day
Daily brushing and flossing remove bits of food and bacteria from the teeth and gums. If food and bacteria remain in the mouth, a sticky film called plaque forms over the teeth. Plaque can be removed with brushing and flossing but if left in the mouth, it can harden into tartar, which irritates and inflames the gum tissue and cannot be removed through at-home oral hygiene methods.
Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush (or an electric brush) and a fluoride toothpaste; be sure to change your brush or brush head every three to four months or when the bristles start to fray. Floss at least once a day to remove the food bits and bacteria that your brush can’t reach.
After brushing and flossing, you may also want to rinse your mouth out with a therapeutic mouthwash to get rid of any lingering debris.
Do Not Smoke
Smoking is one of the leading risk factors for gum disease. If you smoke or use tobacco products, you should quit immediately.
Watch What You Eat
Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and other nutrients helps promote gum health. Your diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as dairy products or other sources of calcium. Limit your consumption of sugary or sticky foods, carbonated soft drinks and alcohol.
Have Regular Dental Check-Ups
A dental check-up normally includes a professional cleaning, which removes hardened tartar as well as plaque and bacteria from the mouth. During a dental exam, the dentist checks the entire mouth for signs of gum disease and other oral health problems. Identifying any potential problems early improves the likelihood that they can be treated with minimally invasive measures.
If you experience any changes in your overall health, such as becoming pregnant, going through menopause or developing a disease like diabetes, you should inform your dentist at the time of your appointment. These changes can increase your risk of gum disease, and you may need to be monitored more closely.
If you would like more information about preventing gum disease, or you need to schedule your next dental check-up, please contact Dr. Ayoub and the team at San Francisco Aesthetic Dentistry today.
