Healthy teeth and gums are key to having a beautiful smile. It is one of the rewards of maintaining good oral hygiene which should be done regularly to achieve the best results.
Unfortunately, some people’s oral health is put at risk when their gums become seriously infected. This often leads to the development of periodontitis which is a severe gum infection caused by bacteria that have accumulated on the teeth and gums. If left untreated, the consequences of the disease can be much severe and more painful for the individual.
While going to the periodontist on a regular basis should be on top of your list, there are other measures you can take as well to prevent the development and progression of this serious gum infection.
From brushing your teeth twice a day to changing up your diet, here are some helpful tips from experts on how you can have healthy teeth and gums.
Establish a good routine
In general, gum disease usually hits when you slack on your oral care routine. So, the best way to prevent it from developing is to follow the three-step regimen of regular brushing, flossing and rinsing. The sooner you start doing this, the more consistent you will become in maintaining good mouth health.
For example, experts recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes twice daily and flossing at least once a day. Doing so will allow you to clean away any loose food particles stuck between your teeth and gums that may lead to the occurrence of bacteria if not cleaned thoroughly.
Use therapeutic products
The term therapeutic products don’t only refer to medicated reinforcements you should use if your gum disease persists. Instead, it is mainly about using proper toothpaste and antibacterial mouthwash to prevent reaching the phase of using heavy antibiotics to eradicate the infection-causing microorganisms.
For example, periodontists advise using toothpaste that contains fluoride because that will help build weakened tooth enamel and reverse early signs of tooth decay.
The same goes for fluoride mouthwash which can also protect your teeth and gums from cavities. You can use it twice a day and you will notice great results even after two weeks.
Implement a healthy diet
Another effective way of preventing gum disease is to implement a healthy diet that consists of foods rich in nutrients that nourish your oral microbiome. This means relying mostly on fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, dairy products, fish, meat, and lots of water and completely avoiding starchy and sugary foods.
For example, gum disease is usually associated with low vitamin C levels. Therefore, opting for fruits and veggies rich in this vitamin can help boost your immune system which will further assist you in fighting the bacteria causing the disease and regenerate your gums.
Quit smoking
Unfortunately, many people may not realize the damage smoking can do to their overall oral health. Besides causing bad breath, this habit can also result in the development of severe gum diseases and in some cases even mouth cancer.
Smoking affects the gums and teeth by producing bacterial plaques which usually leads to periodontitis over time. The gums are affected because there isn’t enough oxygen in the bloodstream and the infected gums cannot heal properly.
So, if smoking is not avoided completely, there is a great possibility that your teeth and gums will suffer the consequences and even cause tooth loss later on.
Get regular dental checkups
No matter what kinds of measures you take, getting regular dental checkups is crucial for detecting early signs of infections and preventing gum disease. Usually, dentists perform thorough cleanings of the teeth and gums to remove tartar and get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing.
Besides this, your dentist will give you further instructions on how to maintain good oral hygiene. The sooner you start following their recommendations, the better chances you will have of reversing damage from periodontitis.
Final thoughts
Following a good oral routine is crucial for leading a healthy life. Not only will this provide you with fresh breath and a celebrity smile, but it will also make a huge difference in your overall well-being. From building a routine and getting regular dental checkups to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, there are several measures you can take to prevent the development of severe oral diseases.
If you need help, be sure to follow the tips recommended by experts and improve your oral health.