How To Take Care Of Your Gums And Teeth?

Healthy teeth and gums allow us to eat and enjoy our food. However, the health of the mouth can be affected by many problems, and taking good care of the gums and teeth can keep them strong and healthy.

Oral health is not only about straight teeth or a bright smile. The health of teeth and gums is an important part. Cavity-free teeth do not necessarily make you immune to gum disease or tooth decay.

Having knowledge about these aspects of oral health and being aware of how you should care about your gums and teeth is extremely crucial. Let us begin by understanding the problems that can be caused by poor oral health. 

Tooth Decay 

A hard, outer coating called enamel covers our teeth. A thin film of bacteria called dental plaque builds up on your teeth every day. This bacteria produces harmful acids that can affect the enamel and cause cavities. Though this can be prevented by brushing and flossing, decay, a cavity once formed has to be fixed with a filling to prevent further damage.

Using fluoride toothpaste can help to protect your teeth from decay. People with conditions like dry mouth are at a higher risk of tooth decay and need more fluoride. A fluoride treatment by a dentist can also help to prevent decay.

Gum Disease 

Gum disease begins with plaque building up along and under your gum line, causing an infection that damages the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. Gums that are red, tender, and more likely to bleed are a sign of a mild form of gum disease which is called gingivitis. 

Gingivitis can be taken care of by brushing and flossing every day. However, a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis can be only treated by a dentist. An untreated infection can lead to painful and bleeding gums, chewing problems & eventually even tooth loss.

Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily can help prevent gum disease. Also, remember to visit your dentist routinely for a checkup and cleaning. A well-balanced diet can go a long way in protecting your gums. 

Try to quit smoking as smoking increases your risk for gum disease.

Also Read: Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Gum Disease?

There are also other oral health issues like dry mouth and oral cancer which can be caused due to inadequate care of our gums and teeth. 

The following tips can be very useful in protecting the health of your gum and teeth at home. 

 Flossing 

Remember to floss daily. This one habit will go a long way to remove the plaque & food that your toothbrush cannot reach. You can floss anytime, in the morning or at night. What is important is that you do it! Read more