Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy 

Gum health is an important part of overall health, and a deterioration in gum health can lead to a variety of complications and may increase one’s risk of other serious diseases. At Distinctive Dental Solutions, our dentists are passionate about dental health and want to provide all of our patients with the care, attention, and education they need to maintain good gum health practices. To learn more about our team and our services or to make an appointment, call us today. 

The Importance of Gum Health

Healthy gums are an important part of a person’s physical health and wellbeing. When gums become inflamed and are unhealthy, a patient is at an increased risk of gum disease. Starting as gingivitis—the earliest stage of gum disease—gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, and chronic periodontitis. Gum disease can be painful, lead to bad breath, and contribute to tooth decay and loss. These conditions are uncomfortable, embarrassing, and can be expensive to remedy. What’s more, there is a growing amount of research that indicates that there is a strong association between gum disease and other chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. 

Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Fortunately, gum disease is something that you can do something about. Here are a few ways that you can keep your gums healthy and maintain good oral health long-term:

• Brush at least twice a day. One of the easiest and most essential ways to keep your gums healthy is to brush at least twice a day—once in the morning after eating and once before bed. If you have the time and discipline, brushing after lunch doesn’t hurt, either! 
• Floss daily. While it’s a hard habit for many people to get into, flossing daily is another way to keep your gums and mouth healthy. You should floss after brushing before bed. After flossing, rinse your mouth with water and spit. Flossing removes food particles that get caught between teeth. 
• Avoid sugary foods and beverages. Eating too much sugar in the form of sugary foods and beverages like soda can be very damaging for your teeth. Sugar can lead to decay, and also attracts bacteria that cause bad breath and can lead to gum disease. Try to limit sugary foods and focus on eating a balanced diet that includes a good amount of fruits and vegetables. 
• Get a dental exam once every six months. One of the easiest ways to improve your oral health and to catch any problems before they morph into something bigger is to schedule a dental exam once every six months. A dental checkup is a great way to get ahead of any oral health problems. 

Reach Out to Distinctive Dental Solutions Today to Schedule Your Dental Exam

To learn more about gum health, gum disease, and how to schedule a dental checkup, reach out to Distinctive Dental Solutions directly. We are accepting new patients.