February is Gum Disease Awareness Month! We want to break it down so you (our awesome patients) can avoid some things that may be harming your gums, and give you quick tips to improve your periodontal (gum) health!
Gum disease is one of the most common dental diseases in the world. According to the CDC, more than 47% of American adults have gum disease. Gum disease is caused by bacteria growing below the gum line. This results in the gums being pulled away from the root of the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause loss of teeth due to lack of supporting gums around the root.
Earlier stages of the disease can be treated and cured by a simple cleaning. Later stages of the disease may require surgical methods. As always, it is best to try to prevent the disease.
Preventing gum disease
Practice good dental hygiene daily
As with the prevention of all dental diseases, daily hygiene is essential. We should floss and brush our teeth daily, at least once before bed at night. It may be better if you floss and brush after each meal. Simply cleaning your mouth regularly will help reduce bacteria growth. If you cannot brush or floss, chew sugar-free gum after meals. While it isn't the same as flossing and brushing your teeth, saliva produced by chewing gum aids in cleansing the mouth after meals. Avoid highly processed or high sugar foods. Foods that contain a high amount of refined sugar promotes rapid bacteria growth in the mouth. Over time, this may lead to gum disease.
Make regular appointments with your dentist
Despite our best daily efforts, over time, plaque may develop. Early plaque formation can simply be cleaned by your Harte Dental hygienist or dentist. Most people can benefit from a dental appointment twice a year. And if your dentist recommends, a professional cleaning of the plaque removal will greatly benefit your oral health. A simple cleaning done in a timely manner can save you a complicated surgery down the line.
Eat a healthy whole food diet
Healthy nutrition is the basis of all health, and dental health is no different. Your gums and teeth need a lot of nutrition, a variety of vitamins, and minerals to keep them healthy. Avoid junk food, highly processed and packaged food that contains a lot of refined sugar, oil, and salt, along with tons of chemicals. Most of your diet should consist of unprocessed whole plant-based foods, including a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. This ensures that you get everything you need for healthy gums, including all the of vitamins and minerals required to keep your gums healthy.
Consume plenty of Vitamin C
One vitamin that deserves particular mention is Vitamin C. Studies show that a Vitamin C deficiency is a significant cause of gum diseases. You can increase your Vitamin C intake by eating fruits like oranges, strawberries, and kiwis, as well as taking supplements. Be sure to clean your teeth after consuming these fruits, as they also contain high amounts of sugar and acids, which can harm your teeth if left on the teeth.
Drink plenty of water
It is easy to overlook water! Our first line of defense against gum disease is our saliva. Saliva contains proteins and minerals that help fight with germs, and when you are dehydrated, you stop producing saliva! So let's all drink water regularly... If you generally forget to drink water, try splurging on yourself and getting a nice, trendy insulated water bottle! Maybe that will be the kickstart to a better-hydrated you! Also, note that some drinks, like tea, coffee, or energy drinks may dehydrate you by increasing urination.
So try to eat healthy, drink more water, brush and floss regularly, and increase your vitamin C intake! Gum diseases can be painful, expensive, and all around unhealthy. Call us here at Harte Dental at (617) 696-5257 to schedule your cleaning, or to become a new patient! We have been voted Best Dentist in Milton since 2017, Favorite Dentist in Milton since 2018, and Top Dentist in the Boston Magazine since 2018!
Or send us an email at ContactUs@HarteDental.com