Gum Disease: How To Protect Your Teeth | Aaron Farrokh

The mouth is a complex and vital organ. It’s also one that many people don’t think about until they’re experiencing oral pain in some way. Gums are the lining of the mouth and protect teeth from infection, trauma, decay, and damage. If damaged gums are left untreated, it can lead to heart disease! It is essential to take preventative measures before you experience severe gum damage.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is a process where the bacteria in your mouth destroys the tissue in your gums. It occurs when you don’t brush and floss your teeth. If you have gum disease, there’s an increased risk of other health issues such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.

The bacteria causes inflammation and damages to the bone that supports your teeth. Bone damage can then lead to tooth loss if not treated by a dentist or oral surgeon. The bacteria can cause pockets that become infected with pus below the gums. This area becomes red and often hurts a lot.

Why should you care about your gums?

The mouth is one of the most common entry points for bacterial infection. As a result, oral hygiene is vital for many reasons. People should care about their gums because invasive diseases can start in the mouth or around the tooth, leading to chronic inflammation. This inflammation can cause negative consequences for long-term health. 

If you have gum disease, there are several ways to treat it. Early diagnosis is essential because if treatment is not started in time, serious complications can result. Gum disease treatments begin with a thorough exam at our office to determine the severity of your condition. Your dentist will review your medical history and lifestyle habits to see what risk factors might be in play.

How can I maintain healthy gums?

Here are some tips that can help you maintain your gum health:

• Brush at least twice a day.
• Floss at least once a day. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth and under the gum line.
• Try to avoid sugary drinks and foods as much as possible, as this fuels bacterial growth.
• Make sure you have regular checkups with your dentist.
• Use a high-quality mouthwash approved by the ADA, as this can help prevent plaque buildup further and protect against gingivitis.

What are some foods that promote healthy gums?

A diet high in fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C is an excellent choice for promoting healthy gums. Dark green vegetables such as broccoli also contain antioxidant elements, which can help reduce inflammation and tissue damage for those with gum disease. One of the best ways to promote healthy gums is to drink plenty of water. 

How do I floss properly?

Do you floss once a day to get rid of built-up plague? If you’re not sure how to floss, we’ll give you some tips here:

1) Take the floss and wrap it around one of your hands (a finger on either hand will do).

2) Tighten the floss until it is taut. Make sure that it is tight enough not to slip off when you insert it into your mouth.

3) Thread the floss upwards from between your teeth and gently scrape along the gum line. For more mobility near the back of the mouth, try using a floss stick.

4) Once all of the spaces in between your teeth have been cleaned, pull the floss out and away from your teeth.

5) You should then use the toothbrush to sweep away any leftover food particles that got into your gums during brushing!

6) Remember to get regular checkups every six months to help keep any problems at bay and promote healthy teeth and gums.

It is vital to maintain your gum health, and the tips provided in this article should help you get started. East Cedar Dental of Newington, CT can help you determine if you have gum disease. Their team can also help with treatments like performing a deep cleaning, which is where they use high-speed equipment to remove plaque and tartar. If you think you have gum disease, East Cedar Dental can start you on a treatment plan to help you heal. So contact them today to improve your oral health!