While most people focus on their teeth when they think of oral health, your gums are just as important. Maintaining healthy gums is essential to support your smile. If you’re wondering how to improve gum health in the long run, it’s helpful to understand gum health basics and what steps you can take to protect your smile.
Understanding Your Gum Health
Your gum health can be affected by a variety of different factors. One of the most prominent is gum disease, also called periodontal disease. As many as 47.2% of adults aged 30 years or older have some form of periodontal disease.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria in your mouth infecting gum tissue. Those bacteria are always present but can grow out of control due to poor oral hygiene and other factors.
The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, which is often responsible for bad breath. More advanced gum disease is called periodontitis, which means you have a serious gum tissue infection.
As gum disease progresses, it can impact the health and strength of your gums. You might experience sore and swollen gums, which can eventually lead to bleeding. Later on, your teeth can become loose and even fall out, leaving a permanent impact on your oral health.
Incorporating Daily Habits to Improve Gum Health
Luckily, there are some simple habits you can put into place to maintain healthy gums. First, always keep up with your brushing and flossing routine. These tasks are essential to manage bacteria levels in your mouth. Make sure that you’re brushing at least twice a day for two minutes each time.
You might also consider using mouthwash as part of your oral hygiene routine. This step can help ensure that you tackle bacteria in every nook and cranny. Keep in mind that it isn’t a replacement for brushing or flossing but something you add to your routine.
Leading a Gum-Friendly Lifestyle
You can also promote healthy gums with a healthy diet. Many nutrients help support gum health, such as vitamins C and B.
Sticking to crisp, crunchy snacks can also help regulate both gum disease and tooth decay because the texture helps remove bacteria and bits of food. Drinking pure water throughout the day can also make a huge difference.
It’s also best to avoid habits such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption to protect not only your gum health, but your overall oral health as well.
Keeping Up With Dental Visits
Keeping up with routine dental visits is also essential to maintain healthy gums. Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup, along with examining your smile to catch gum disease as early as possible.
If you do find yourself facing gum disease, there are a variety of treatment options. Scaling and root planing can be highly effective in treating early gum disease, while gum surgery may be right for more serious cases.
Commit to Healthy Gums Today
By taking the right steps, you can keep your gums healthy and your smile sparkling. One of the most important ways you can take care of your smile is by visiting your dentist. At Pinnacle Dentistry, our experienced team provides comprehensive care to support all aspects of your oral health in Colorado Springs.
Contact us to find out more about our periodontal care options today.
