14 Nov Healthy gums- 6 tips for getting and keeping them
Healthy gums- 6 tips for getting and keeping them
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Gum disease can be easily treated if it is diagnosed in the early stages.
At Boulton Dental we are highly committed to prevention and taking an active approach to your oral health. We don’t want you to suffer pain or need to undergo costly and invasive procedures, which is why we do our very best to work with you to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts when plaque builds up under and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film-like substance that’s filled with bacteria. It can cause infections that hurt the gum and bone, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque also can cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become inflamed, tender, red, or swollen, and prone to bleeding. Fortunately, since the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place aren’t impacted, this damage is reversible.
Who is at risk of periodontal disease?
If you’re a smoker, a diabetic, have high blood pressure, your parents had gum disease, or you have poor health in general, then you are more at risk. However, that doesn’t mean that you are off the hook if you don’t fit into the above categories.
The team of Newcastle dentists at Boulton Dental have compiled a list of easy to follow tips to help get and keep your healthy gums in tip top healthy condition, see below.
6 tips for keeping your gums healthy and well
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Brush teeth, gums, and tongue twice a day
It is important to remember to brush your teeth once in the morning and once in the evening. Make sure that you are brushing for 2 minutes every single time you brush. It is also extremely important to brush along the gum line as well as your tongue. This helps to reduce the amount of bacteria that live on the surface of the gums. Using fluoride to brush also helps.
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Floss daily
Even though brushing is extremely important, you must not forget to floss regularly too. A toothbrush is not able to get in between your teeth and clean the crevices. Plaque and food gets lodged into these crevices which causes bacteria to form in between the teeth and gums. Sticky film gets stuck onto the gums and teeth which causes the bacteria to form which puts you at a higher risk for gum disease. Make sure you are flossing once a day with dental floss or a soft pick brush.
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Visit your dentist twice a year
One of the most important things you can do in order to keep your gums healthy is to visit a dentist at least twice a year. The dentist will be able to perform a comprehensive check-up in order to determine the health of your gums. You could very well be doing everything you are supposed to but could still develop gum disease. Your dentist will check your medical history, check for bleeding, as well as pockets. They will also perform a cleaning which reduces the bad bacteria on your teeth before it travels to your gums.
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Drink wisely
What drinks you consume can affect the health of your teeth. Beverages such as soft drinks and sugary juices have been targeted as culprits of tooth decay. Drinking less soft drink and more water, milk and fresh juices can help protect your teeth.
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Don’t smoke
Yet another reason for smokers to quit! Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. Since smoking weakens your immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Plus, smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged.
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Watch for signs of gum disease
Even if you take every precaution, it is still very important to check for signs of gum disease. It is also crucial to notify your dentist if you have any of these following warning signs of gum disease:
- Your gums bleed easily
- Your gums are very red, tender and / or swollen
- You can see pus in between your teeth and gums when they are pressed.
- Your gums seem to be pulling away from your teeth
- You have chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- You notice a change in your bite or in the way your teeth fit together
- Your teeth are loose or they are separating
- The fit of your partials or dentures have changed
Periodontal disease can be serious and lead to significant bone loss around your teeth and, ultimately, loss of your teeth. The problem is it’s painless in the early stages. Unless you are diagnosed early and start taking steps to manage the disease, it can be hard and expensive to control.
The Newcastle team at Boulton Dental in Merewether are here to help you to achieve and maintain healthy teeth for life!
Find out more HERE
Have you had a check- up and clean lately? Keeping on top of your oral healthcare is not only beneficial for your smile but also for your overall health. Book in today, call:
4961 6300 or book online
Resources:
Australian Dental Association
Newcastle Dentist. Dentist Newcastle
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