September is National Gum Care Month. A bright, healthy smile is important. But when it comes to your oral health, teeth aren’t the only thing to be concerned about. Your gums deserve just as much care and attention.
Gingiva, the medical term for your gums, is the tissue that surrounds and protects the teeth and underlying bone. Healthy gums form a seal around the root and base of the tooth, which protects against infection.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is the result of inflammation or infection of the gum, and it’s more common than you think. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 47% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease. This jumps to an alarming 70% in adults over the age of 65.
Gum disease doesn’t just affect individuals with poor oral hygiene habits. While that does play a large role, other factors can come into play, including:
· Smoking
· Immunodeficiency diseases
· Stress
· Heredity
· Hormonal changes
Signs of Gum Disease
A buildup of plaque is usually the first stage of gum disease. Plaque is a sticky film-like substance filled with bacteria that builds up over the teeth and gums throughout the day. Plaque can harden into tartar and spread below the gumline, causing infection.
Signs of gum disease include:
· Bad breath
· Red or swollen gums
· Bleeding gums
· Painful chewing
· Loose teeth
· Sensitive teeth
· Gums that have pulled away from the root of the teeth.
11 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Gums
There is an old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It’s better to take measures to prevent gum disease from forming rather than treating it later. Here are a few tips to ensure both your teeth and your gums stay healthy.
1. Brush twice a day. Ideally you should brush after each time you eat. But if that isn’t possible, at least once in the morning and once at night before bed will help remove plaque from your teeth.
2. Use the right toothpaste. There are dozens of brands of toothpaste and flavors that promise to do everything from whiten your teeth to prevent cavities. Whatever type you choose, make sure it contains fluoride, which strengthens the surface of the teeth, and has the American Dental Association stamp of approval.
3. Floss once a day. While toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque on the smooth surfaces or the teeth, they can’t always get into the cracks, crevices and tight spaces between the teeth. Flossing removes any stuck food or bacteria that may be lurking.
4. Replace your toothbrush frequently. Toothbrush bristles begin to fray and bacteria starts to accumulate after long term use. Plan to replace your toothbrush every three months.
5. If you smoke, stop. Smoking weakens your body’s immune system and its ability to fight off a gum infection.
6. Switch to an electric toothbrush. The rotating bristles and pulsating head are better able to clean between teeth and loosen plaque than manual brushes.
7. Use a mouthwash. Mouthwash provides another tool to kill bacteria. Using a fluoridated mouthwash also strengthens enamel.
8. See your dentist every six months. During a checkup, your dentist will clean your teeth deeply and check for any problems that may have been overlooked.
9. Drink more water. Water washes away leftover food particles and residue that cavity-causing bacteria feed on.
10. Avoid sugar and starchy foods. Bacteria in the mouth love to feed on sugar. As they eat, they produce acid that wears away tooth enamel and causes decay.
11. Exercise. Exercise is good for your body, but did you know it is also good for your teeth? A study conducted by the Journal of Periodontology found a link between healthy weight and physical fitness and a lower incidence of gum disease.