Every now and then, you will encounter mild gum problems. These problems could be related to swelling, bruising, scars, or inflammation. But if the damage is already affecting your oral health greatly, then you need to take proper action immediately.
Here are some gum care essentials that you can try:
Daily Gum Care – Brushing and Flossing
You probably know that everyone must keep their teeth clean by brushing and flossing regularly. This advice is basically true because constant brushing and flossing can reduce plaque formation. Yet, busy schedules prevent most people from committing to these activities every day. You shouldn’t be one of those people!
Practically, brushing is effective but it’s not as effective without flossing. Think of flossing as a secondary cleaning method that will sweep tricky bacteria and plaque. You can use dental string flosses or water irrigators, depending on your priorities. String flosses are manual while dental water irrigators are automatic. Hence, dental irrigators are more expensive.
The cleaning technique is another important thing. If you’re only brushing chosen areas of your teeth, you won’t get maximum cleaning advantage. The same thing is applicable to regular flossing. You need to reach all gaps and sections – not just the ones that people see. If you have the time, you should personalize a cleaning technique that will make brushing and flossing activities fun!
Best & Worst Foods for Your Gums
Brushing and flossing are necessary for optimum oral health development. But one factor shouldn’t be neglected: nutrition. If you eat the best foods for your nutrition, your teeth and gums will have greater chances against periodontitis. And not only that – your overall health will improve as well!
These are some nutritious foods for your teeth and gums:
- Eggs, fish, cereals, soybeans
- Oranges, cantaloupe, strawberries
- Antioxidants like apples, mangoes, onions, and garlic
- Cucumber, carrots, watermelon
- Cheese and milk
- Fresh yogourt (best with fruits)
Now if you’re really serious about improving your oral health, you must avoid processed foods. Some of the notorious processed foods are burgers, french fries, smoothies, hash browns, sundaes, hot-dogs, and sodas. These foods will slowly destroy your teeth, gums, and body as well. Don’t be surprised if you can’t avoid processed foods at a snap – it’s long-term work. You need to develop discipline and you need to view the bigger picture: better oral health.
If you love bread or other pastries, you should consider setting a personal limit. Generally, starch is bad for your teeth because of its immediate chemical reaction with fluids. In the long-term, bread can damage your teeth – which will then cause gum irritation or infection. But you don’t have to cut your bread diet by 100%. Settle for smaller portions instead, or you can try oatmeal variants.
Be Gentle With Your Gums
Gum problems are aggravated by your brushing and flossing techniques. If you keep rushing, there’s a big chance that you will hit several areas of your gums. Aside from the pain, this can lead to swelling or mild bleeding. For brushing, the solution is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Watch your strokes and take your time. The usual brushing time is 3 minutes – that’s not too long, anyway!
Flossing is a different beast to tackle. It requires precise movements with the string. Otherwise, gum sections might bleed or get irritated. To avoid the hassle, you can just buy a dental irrigator. This tool utilizes the pressure of water to remove plaque. Take note that dental irrigators are costlier than regular string flosses.
What if you already have painful gum infection? You can try to fuse natural home remedies, as well as the advice of your dentist. Don’t neglect gum infection because it runs deep and causes long-term damage. If your immune system is low, you might even develop gum ulcers. At this rate, inform your dentist immediately.
Conclusion
This year, make it a priority to take care of your gums. And not only this year – keep going! Improved gum health will pave the way for a better life. Plus, you won’t have to spend much on dental surgeries and restorative options.
Are you ready to take care of your gums today? Guelph Royal Dental Centre is here for you! Contact us anytime for your next dental appointment.