A healthy lifestyle is essential to a longer life, but have you considered the positive impact exceptional dental hygiene could have on your well-being? Whether you regularly visit your dentist every six months for a check-up, or you’re at the start of your dental care journey, dentist in Brentwood provides advice to prevent gum diseases for a healthy lifestyle.
Symptoms of Gum Diseases
The most common symptoms of gum disease are longer-looking teeth and red swollen gums, which bleed while you brush, floss, and occasionally when you chew solid food. Serious symptoms include pus oozing out between your teeth, looser teeth, and bad breath. Untreated gum disease can change your bite and impact the fit of partial dentures.
Causes of Gum Diseases
Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease. Other less common causes are hormonal fluctuations, medications, poor overall oral health practises, medications that dry out your mouth and illnesses such as diabetes, HIV, and cancer.
Dental Habits to Prevent Gum Diseases
While some conditions aren’t preventable, it is a good idea to maintain excellent daily oral hygiene habits to help prevent gum disease.
- Try mouthwash
Mouthwash is an excellent addition to every oral health regimen. While brushing and flossing are great, it doesn’t truly remove all plaque-causing bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
- Floss and brush twice a day
Many people brush twice a day, but do you also floss twice a day? While brushing is great, flossing is better at getting out those last bits of food which contribute to gum disease. For the best result, floss before the brushing to remove any food debris.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste
Fluoridated toothpaste is essential for anyone suffering from receding gums, a common side effect of gum disease. Fluoride provides the teeth with an extra strength coating that prevents decay.
- Use the right toothbrush
Many people reach for a hard toothbrush thinking harder must be better. Unfortunately, that thinking is wrong. Choose a soft brush with small bristles to ensure a perfect clean.
- Don’t scrub too hard
Hard scrubbing rubs off essential tooth enamel, which protects against decay and creates worn out red spots that can develop into more serious issues. To be safe, scrub gently across all surfaces.
- Use products for sensitive teeth
If your gums are receding, the newly exposed teeth are going to be sensitive. Sensitive teeth products are designed to gently care for problematic teeth, so you won’t experience intense shooting pain when eating and drinking hot or cold products or even when brushing your teeth.
- Get diabetes under control
Diabetes is known to contribute to gum disease. If you suffer from diabetes, take steps to keep your condition under control such as losing weight, eating low-sugar foods, and getting active.
- Quit smoking
Unfortunately, smoking also contributes to gum disease. If you’re a current smoker, why not talk to your doctor about quitting? Your gum health will improve when you take this crucial step.
- Maintain a balanced diet
Healthy balanced diets contribute to excellent oral health. Load your plate up with vegetables, nuts, and smaller portions of quality protein for healthy gums.
- Avoid sweet foods
Sweet foods have a habit of getting stuck in your teeth, causing gum disease through the excess plaque. Cut down on sweet treats and your gum health will soar.
- Have a healthy bedtime routine
A healthy bedtime routine includes making sure you brush and floss before turning in. If you have to drink after brushing, water is always the best choice.
- Get periodontal maintenance therapy
Periodontal maintenance therapy is the gold-standard treatment to resolve any existing or developing gum issues. If you are experiencing gum problems, talk to a professional who can provide a treatment plan and guidance.
By following these habits, you will have gums and teeth that last a lifetime. Is it time you booked a periodontal maintenance treatment for yourself?
Author Bio:
Dan works at Dentalkind, a quality dentistry in Billericay, Essex. Dentalkind have a team of qualified and experienced dentists offering honest and ethical dental advice and treatments to suit your needs, all under one roof for your convenience. Visit www.dentalkind.com for more information.
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