The Importance of Healthy Gums and What You Can Do to Improve Their Health
When you brush, do your gums bleed? If so, you may have gingivitis, a very early stage of gum disease. Other symptoms include swelling, inflammation, red gums, and a receding gumline. You should visit your local Highland, Michigan dentist for treatment when this happens. The team at Milford Dental and Associates provide quality dental health care and would like to talk about why healthy gums are important and some easy steps you can take to make sure yours remain healthy.
Why You Need Healthy Gums
If you have gum disease that you leave untreated, your periodontal gum pockets will continue to grow, allowing the accumulation of bacteria. This will not be your only problem as you could begin to face complications, including:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, inflamed gums
- Dull and constant pain
- Pain when chewing
- Chronic bad breath, known as halitosis, which will not go away with any amount of brushing
- Loosened teeth
- Receding gum line
- Tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
There are specific actions you can take and incorporate into your daily routine which can help improve your overall gum health.
Better Brushing
One of the easiest things you can incorporate into your daily routine is to brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste. If you have gum disease, you likely could improve your brushing technique. Make sure you brush twice daily (in the morning and at night) using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use fluoride toothpaste. When you brush, you should do so at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and gums. This will allow you to clean your gumline more efficiently. Make sure you are brushing for at least two minutes, but do not brush too vigorously, as overbrushing can harm your teeth enamel.
Be Mindful About Your Diet and Habits
When consumed regularly, certain foods and drinks can harm your oral health. This includes foods and drinks high in acidity and sugar, such as soda, candy, coffee, and more. When you choose to consume these, brushing your teeth afterward will help slow the accumulation of plaque and bacteria along the gumline.
Also, habits such as excessive alcohol intake and the use of tobacco products will have adverse effects.
To schedule an appointment at Milford Dental and Associates, please call (248) 845-4575 today.
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