5 Tips For Avoiding Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common dental health condition among adults and can lead to serious complications if left untreated. In fact, advanced gum disease can lead to missing teeth and heart issues. If you start taking good care of your oral health, you can reduce your chance of developing this disease. Here are five helpful tips for avoiding gum disease:
Remember to Brush Your Gum Line
When you brush your teeth, it's important to not neglect your gum line. Gum disease starts developing on the gum line, so it is vital to brush it with your toothbrush every day. Try putting your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so that half of it brushes your gums.
Clean Your Tongue
It turns out that brushing and flossing every day might not be enough to fight off gum disease. Did you know that a lot of bacteria can accumulate on your tongue throughout the day and eventually transfer to your gums? That is why it is important to scrape your tongue back and forth a few times with a tongue scraper. If you don't have a tongue scraper available, a toothbrush will do just fine.
Include Vitamin C in Your Diet
Vitamin C increases your immune system and can help you fight off gum infections. Try to include vitamin C rich foods in your diet every day, like oranges, strawberries and papaya.
Stop Smoking
If you currently smoke tobacco, now might be the right time to stop. Smoking can contribute to a wide variety of diseases, including gum disease. Tobacco lowers your immune system and makes it more difficult for your body to fight off gum infections.
Don't Ignore Warning Signs
It isn't wise to dismiss the warning signs of gum disease. If your gums look redder or more inflamed than usual or bleed while you brush your teeth, it is a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible. He or she can assess the severity of the gum disease and recommend the appropriate treatment. For example, if the gum disease hasn't progressed too far, your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning.
The idea of getting diagnosed with gum disease is scary, but it does not have to happen to you. If you follow these useful tips, you can lower your risk of developing this oral health condition. Also, even if your gums seem perfectly normal, always go to your six month dental checkup. Your dentist can take steps for proactive gum disease treatments to help keep your mouth healthy.
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