Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues here in the UK.
Almost half of adults in the UK are currently being affected by gum disease to some degree, with 10% living with the most severe form, which can severely impact their quality of life – causing pain, discomfort,and eventually, tooth loss.
Having healthy gums is incredibly important if you want to avoid these extremes and in this post, trusted experts explore some simple ways you can say goodbye to gum grief and hello to a healthy, beautiful-looking smile!
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Aside from the well-known bleeding when brushing, there are many other tell-tale signs of gum disease that you should never ignore.
Just some of them include:
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see your dentist as soon as possible so they can provide appropriate periodontal disease treatment.
The treatment your dentist recommends will depend on the severity of your gum disease, with early-stage gingivitis treated by professionally removing plaque and a good, at-home oral hygiene routine.
More advanced periodontitis, however, requires much more in-depth treatment to manage the disease, rather than cure it altogether.
How can I improve my gum health at home?
After you’ve received appropriate treatment, there are plenty of things you can do at home to help maintain healthy gums and keep periodontitis at bay.
Brush and floss daily
Brusing your teeth twice a day and flossing once in the evenings are the building blocks of an excellent at-home oral hygiene routine.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, or an electric one if you can, as well as a high-fluoride toothpaste, angling your brush at a 45◦ angle against the gums brushing, gently,in a circular motion to remove plaque build–up on the surface of the teeth.
Of course, not all plaque and food debris can be removed by brushing alone. As such, flossing – using either traditional dental floss, floss picks, or interdental brushes – is essential to get in between your teeth and prevent harmful plaque from hardening into tartar and causing gum disease and other serious dental problems.
Don’t forget your tongue
Bacteria can be found in every part of your mouth, not just the teeth.
This includes your tongue, so you should brush it as often as you do your teeth to keep this bacteria buildup at bay.
To do this, use a soft-bristled toothbrush – separate from the one you use to brush your teeth – and brush gently back and forth and from side to side to ensure you reach every area of the tongue, making sure to brush away from the gumline to avoid spreading this bacteria.
Limit sugary foods and drinks
Eating a diet rich in sugary foods and drinks can lead to the development of gum disease.
However, it’s not the sugar itself that causes harm, it’s the bacteria that feed on it.
Sugar, especially in liquid varieties, can get in every crack and crevice of your mouth, so even if you brush your teeth twice a day without fail and floss regularly, getting rid of all these bacteria is incredibly difficult.
It’s in these hard-to-reach areas that bacteria will thrive, eating away at your enamel and developing cavities. If left long-term, these cavities can cause gingivitis and more advanced periodontitis further down the line.
Quit smoking
Not only is quitting smoking one of the best things you can do for your physical health, but it’s also great for your gums.
With a reduced amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, a weakened immune system, poor blood circulation, and reduced saliva production, smoking can create the perfect set of circumstances for gum disease to develop.
However, quitting will help your gums heal and stop gum disease from progressing any further.
Eat a well-balanced diet
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can play a significant role in helping prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and an array of other dental issues.
Limiting your sugar intake and consuming fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery – just to name a few – that are rich in Vitamin A, C, and fibre, is great for our gum health.
Crunchy foods like these also help remove plaque and stimulate saliva production, which is another must for maintaining a healthy oral environment.
You should also ensure your diet has lots of probiotics to help control bad bacteria and add good bacteria – eat lots of calcium-rich foods like fat-free milk, cheese, and yoghurt, to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Keep up with regular dental check–ups
Last, but certainly not least, keeping up with your regular dental appointments is vital if you want to avoid getting gum disease.
By going for a check-up every three to six months, your dentist can monitor your gums to ensure they’re healthy, take precautions to help avoid gum disease from developing or progressing, and provide you with valuable oral health advice for you to follow at home to ensure your teeth and gums stay in the best condition.
During these appointments, your dentist will also clean your teeth professionally to remove hard plaque and prevent further build-up.
Speak to a holistic dentist near you!
Gum disease is nothing to be embarrassed about and the sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of reversing gum disease for good.
To discuss your symptoms and find out more about treatment options, speak to a holistic dentist in your area today!
