Have you noticed that your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? If you answered yes, it could be an early sign of gum disease. You’re not alone–a CDC study showed that more than half of American adults suffer from the condition.
To prevent long-term oral health problems, you should make a few changes to your dental care routine now. Keep reading to learn how to improve gum health. Here are 5 easy ways to achieve a healthier mouth today.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Patients with gum disease often notice swelling or bleeding around their gums. Bad breath and receding gums are also signs that you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.
If gum disease is caught early, it is possible to reverse all or most of the damage. When gum disease is ignored, it can become periodontitis. Periodontitis leads to tooth loss and is linked to heart disease.
Healthy teeth grow from healthy gums, so practicing good dental hygiene is worth the effort. Let’s take a look at some specific ways to improve your gum health.
1. Learn How to Brush Properly
You should brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Using short strokes, brush every surface of each tooth and along your gumline.
It is important to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 2-3 months.
2. Floss Thoroughly
Your gums will thrive if you learn how to floss more effectively. The inflammation that leads to gum disease is caused by the bacteria that live in plaque. Flossing thoroughly between your teeth will help eliminate both.
You should never allow plaque to remain on your gums. At least once a day, rub a piece of floss up and down the spaces between your teeth. Wiggle it around near your gum line to loosen and remove plaque buildup.
If you have braces or struggle with traditional flossing methods, try water flossing. The benefits of water flossers are many–they use strong streams of water to clean your mouth. Do your own research online to find the best water flosser.
3. Eat Less Sugar
Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease, so avoid eating too much candy. Soda can also wreak havoc on your gums. When sugar gets trapped in the spaces between your teeth and gums, the bacteria will feast and flourish.
For healthy teeth, eat a healthy diet. When you indulge in sweet treats, brush your teeth, and drink plenty of water to wash away any sugary residue.
4. Take a Vitamin C Supplement
A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that people with diets rich in Vitamin C were less likely to experience gum disease symptoms.
Take a Vitamin C supplement daily. You can also eat food with high levels of Vitamin C, such as papayas, mangoes, strawberries, broccoli, and oranges.
5. Visit Your Dentist
Visit your dentist for a cleaning and check-up every 6 months. Your dental care team will be able to spot and treat any problem areas right away.
Follow These Suggestions for Optimal Gum Health
Follow these dental hygiene tips for healthy gums and teeth. If you get started today, you’ll see improvements in your gum health right away.
In addition to lowering your risk of gum disease, you’ll enjoy fresh breath and a healthier heart. What are you waiting for? It’s never too late to get started on your dental health, so if you need a recommendation, you can consult dental care in Turlock.
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