How To Prevent Gum Disease And Maintain Healthy Gums
Maintaining good gum health is important for sustaining good overall oral health. While easily treatable, gum disease still affects 23% of Australians aged 15 years and over every year. Prevention is the best defence when it comes to gum disease. A healthy routine of brushing twice per day and flossing in between the teeth is the most effective way to prevent gum disease from occurring and developing into a more-serious oral health condition. In this blog post we outline best practice for keeping gums healthy.
The Role of Healthy Gums
Gums serve a very important role in the mouth. They protect the roots of teeth, support the structural integrity of teeth and facilitate the circulation of blood around the mouth. Gums play a big part in maintaining overall oral health and it follows that they must be well cared for in order to sustain a healthy smile. If gums are not healthy it can lead to severe complications for both oral health and overall health, such as gingivitis, halitosis and periodontitis.
Maintaining Healthy Gums
Brushing Properly
Everyone should brush their teeth twice per day to maintain good oral health outcomes. When brushing, small circular motions should be made with a toothbrush over the surface of teeth and the gumline. Brushing over the gumline is extremely important to remove plaque from this area. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and rinse thoroughly after brushing to remove any remaining food detritus.
Flossing
After brushing the teeth, dental floss should be held in two hands and threaded in between teeth to remove food particles stuck there. Floss should be levered back and forth, up and down to achieve this effect. Removing trapped food particles via flossing is important because it reduces the potential of plaque to manifest and for gums to become inflamed. Plaque develops when sugars calcify and this can lead to gum inflammation.
Healthy Diet
To maintain healthy gums (and teeth), avoid a diet high in artificial sugars and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Foods that are high in vitamin C support strong gum health.
Regular Dental Visits
Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleaning results in a sparkling smile and healthy, pink gums. It’s crucial that you visit your dentist at least once per year for a professional cleaning. During your check-up, your dentist will evaluate the health of your gums and will make any recommendations necessary to ensure that they stay healthy and bright.
Dental Treatment Fortitude Valley – Book an Appointment Today
Looking to enjoy a more-comfortable smile full of healthy teeth? Book a consultation for any dental treatment you need at Central Brunswick Dental Centre today.