Caring For Your Gums
Monroe, LA
 Gum disease is a very common oral health condition. Around half of all adults are living with some form of the disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. While devastating, gum disease is also preventable with periodontal care. Tim Perry, DDS can help.
Your Gums and Your Health
The health of your gums matters for many reasons. Healthy gums are important for a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Healthy gums are also important for your whole-body health as well. Those with gum disease are at a much greater risk for developing significant health-related issues, including respiratory complications, Type II diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s. A part of maintaining a healthy body is also maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Brush and Floss Daily
Your daily oral care routine is a major component of good periodontal care. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day. The ADA recommends brushing for two minutes each time. During those two minutes, you should be cleaning all of the surfaces of your teeth. Brushing helps to remove plaque and bacteria, which helps to keep these harmful substances away from your sensitive gum tissues.
Flossing is also important, though it is often ignored. You should be flossing at least once a day. Flossing helps to remove bacteria and plaque that have gotten stuck between your teeth. Even small amounts of these substances can irritate your gums and lead to an infection.
Maintain a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet
Another thing that you can do to help take good care of your periodontal health is to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Just like what you eat affects the health of your body, it can also impact the health of your mouth. A diet high in sugars and processed foods can increase plaque and bacteria, which can then contribute to gum disease and other issues. Your diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy. These foods provide your gums with the nutrients they need to fight off infections effectively. Some foods, such as crunchy fruits and vegetables, can act as natural toothbrushes that scrub your teeth as you eat them. Dairy products like cheese help to stimulate saliva production, which helps to kill and wash away bacteria.
Don’t Forget About Routine Dental Visits
Your home care is not the only care that matters. You should also have routine dental cleanings and exams twice a year. Your cleanings allow for the removal of all buildup from your teeth and along your gumline, helping to provide you with additional protection. During your exams, we can check for signs of gum disease. If we notice any redness, swelling, or other symptoms, we can then help you to take the appropriate action to prevent the condition from worsening. This might be as easy as improving your oral care routine at home. In more significant cases, a deep cleaning or other professional periodontal treatment may be necessary. It is important to keep in mind that if you notice any symptoms between your routine visits that you call to schedule an appointment right away.
Good periodontal care is crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth and healthy body. If you have any questions or concerns, call Tim Perry, DDS at (318) 322-0576 today. |
