If your gums are sore, bleeding, or receding, these may be signs of gum disease. Other symptoms include pain while chewing, bad breath, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Treatments vary from case to case, from a simple deep cleaning to medication or surgery. The sooner you come in to see us, the faster we can help.
The best course of action is to before you need medical attention for it. Here are six tips from our dentists in Shelby Township, MI to help you protect yourself from gum disease.
Oral Hygiene
Although this may seem obvious, good oral care is crucial for healthy gums. is not enough, especially when it comes to gum disease. You should add flossing to your routine to reduce the risk of plaque building up and damaging your gums. When flossing, be sure to get up and under your gums to remove any plaque that’s hiding there.
Using an antimicrobial mouthwash low in alcohol can also be beneficial to your oral health. Mouthwash, or any other drink with high alcohol content, can dry out your mouth which promotes bacterial growth. Gingivitis treatment can be as simple as scheduling a teeth cleaning and practicing good oral hygiene.
Maintain Good Vitamin Levels
Vitamin C deficiency is one of the leading causes of gum disease. Including more Vitamin C in your diet not only helps prevent gum disease but can also help treat any symptoms you might have. Vitamin C has healing properties that can stop your gums from swelling or bleeding while stabilizing loose teeth.
Have a Healthy Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is the number one best thing you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Be sure to avoid sugary foods and drinks as they lead to tooth decay and gum damage.
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet filled with vitamins and minerals boosts your immunity and helps ward off many diseases. Try incorporating foods that are high in collagen, beta carotene, and omega-3s for best results.
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated is necessary for preventing gum disease, as well as promoting overall health. Drinking plenty of water produces more saliva which helps fight off bacteria that can cause gum infection.
Don’t Smoke or Use Tobacco
Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products has been known to cause countless health issues. Tobacco products are very harmful to your gums and should be avoided no matter the cost.
Even other tobacco sources, such as chewing tobacco, cigars, and e-cigarettes are harmful to your gums. It’s best to steer clear of tobacco products altogether if you want healthy teeth and gums.
Regular Dental Visits
Having regular dental appointments is crucial to maintaining and improving your oral health.
Only a dental professional can remove the buildup of tartar (hardened plaque) which over time will cause gum disease and if not properly treated will enable it to progress to periodontitis. Also, our dentists will be able to spot any signs of gum disease during your appointment.
Request an Appointment
Our have years of experience with helping patients combat gum disease. To request an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey T. Baker, give our office a call at (586) 992-9222.
