Gum Disease Prevention
Request AppointmentDownload The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Dentistry eBook
What is Gum Disease?
First, a basic definition: when microbial plaque and calcium build up on teeth, they often cause your gums to become inflamed (red, puffy, bleeding upon brushing or flossing) which is called Gingivitis, a gum infection. Untreated Gingivitis can lead to Periodontitis, a more serious inflammation, which damages the bone supporting your teeth — and will eventually lead to tooth loss.
Here’s the really scary part — very few people realize how many other parts of the body are affected by this condition. And its effects are both wide-ranging and significant. Gum disease has proven connections with coronary artery disease, stroke, pneumonia, and diabetes. In fact, a growing body of research shows that the bacteria of any inflammation travel throughout the body and cause damage far from the initial infection site.
How Can I Avoid Gum Disease?
- Don’t smoke! And cigarettes aren’t the only culprit – pipes, cigars, chew – so if you want healthy gums, avoid any and ALL tobacco products! Not only is smoking bad for your lungs, it has the following negative effects on your gums:
- Increases the amount of plaque on your teeth.
- Promotes bone loss and tissue loss inside the structures that support your teeth.
- Eat a nutritious, balanced diet. A healthy body promotes healthy gums. In fact, in many cases gum disease can be directly connected to poor NUTRITION habits. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet packed with plenty of protein, minerals, vitamins, and other components. Vitamins C and B are both very important to healthy gums – so load up on your fruits and green leafy vegetables if you want that smile to last.
- Live an Active, Youthful Lifestyle. Do at least some type of physical activity every day and maintain a healthy weight. Learn which BMI (body-mass index) level is appropriate for you. “Why is this necessary?” you ask… because each of the familiar behaviors now known as “LIFESTYLE RISK FACTORS” accelerates the aging process. (E.g., smoking, obesity, inactivity, drug or alcohol abuse, and so on.) A healthy diet combined with a healthy lifestyle helps keep the years at bay and maintains your body’s natural resistance to disease.
- Brush and Irrigate. We know… you know… everybody knows. Brushing isn’t enough. You really do need to irrigate and irrigate two times per day. Doing your part to remove the plaque that builds up below the gum line will go a very long way towards keeping your gums (and teeth) in tip-top shape. So, at the risk of being tedious, do the right thing. Brush your teeth at least two to three times a day. And buy a Hydrofloss Magnetic water irrigator and use it regularly! Use code 14091 to order online at hydrofloss.com or by calling them directly at 800-635-3594.
- Get regular medical and dental check-ups. Finally, don’t let your health providers become strangers, especially your dentist. Regular, professional cleaning by a dental professional helps keep your teeth and gum line free from the plaque that leads to gum disease. And working with your doctor to stay healthy is critical to the overall balance you need for a healthy life and healthy gums.
