When most people think of oral health, they often envision a vibrant and aligned smile. This means that most of the efforts of oral hygiene tend to be on teeth brushing and flossing. However, many people do not realize that a healthy smile begins at the gums.
Gums can easily be compared to the foundation of a building. In this case the building is the teeth. The strength of the building is not all that important if the foundation is faulty, cracked, or broken. A strong foundation provides a steady base for the buildings to anchor to. This is the exact same narrative when it comes to your gums and teeth.
It is not uncommon for patients that experience tooth decay to actually suffer from sore and puffy gums. In fact, it is not uncommon for the issues to go even deeper than the gums. There have been several studies done that have concluded that oral health is linked to the immune system, heart, lungs, and even the brain. This makes it crucial to be diligent when caring for your gums!
We understand that tying your oral health to the health of other organs in your body can seem daunting. The good news is that being aware of the potential implications of poor hygiene habits can be a powerful tool to incentivize changes. We wanted to provide you with some information on how you can better care for your gums moving forward.
Brush Your Gums
Brushing your teeth twice daily is imperative for your overall dental health. This includes your gums’ health! Brushing your teeth can help remove any plaque that gets stuck between your gums and teeth. It is important to get rid of any residue in order for it not to build up over time and turn into bigger problems. Friendly reminder to brush your tongue You are probably already aware of the importance of brushing your teeth regularly. Do you also extend this practice to your gums? If not, this is your cue to begin. Brushing your gums is a little different than brushing your teeth. It is very important that the brush you use has soft bristles. When it comes to the motion of brushing, you will want to brush in small circles over your gums.
Floss Your Teeth
While flossing might seem like it only benefits your teeth, it also benefits your gums. Flossing removes food, bacteria, and plaque from in between the teeth and the areas in which the teeth meet the gums. Some of our patients tend to think that brushing is enough but the truth is that it is not. There are areas between your teeth that the bristles of the brush simply cannot reach. This means that the food, bacteria, and plaque in these spaces can stay there if you do not practice flossing. It is imperative that you floss at least once every day to avoid the gunk in these spaces to sit there permanently and create chaos.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can do wonders for your gums. Your gums, like the rest of your body, can benefit from the intake of different vitamins and minerals found in a balanced diet. A balanced diet also allows your immune system, heart, lungs, and brain to operate better. As we mentioned earlier, your body is very connected and your oral health is tied to your overall health. Eat your veggies and see your health thrive!
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is one of the most damaging acts you can take against your body and mouth. It can cause many diseases within the mouth that can be avoided. We want to encourage you to stay away from smoking, especially if you already have discomfort in your gums.
Schedule Your Bi-Annual Dental Cleaning
Bi-annual dental cleanings are so important. We talk about this all the time because it is true. Dental cleanings allow our team of professionals to remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque from places that might not be accessible to you with your toothbrush and dental floss. This is also an opportunity to have your overall oral health assessed and to resolve any problems that are at its beginning stages. Prevention and early detection can make a huge difference in the long term. Do not take this for granted!
If you are due for your dental cleaning, please contact our team. We understand that it can be a bit overwhelming for some people to visit the dentist but we are equipped with all the tools to help you get past that. Our team is knowledgeable and welcoming. We are here to help you!
