Dental Health
8 Tips for Healthier Gums
By Michael Russell
Do you see traces of blood as you rinse your teeth
after brushing? Do you think it is normal and not worthy of any further
thought? Well, think again. You might already be suffering from
gingivitis without even knowing it!
According to the American Dental Association, or ADA, three out of four
adults suffer from gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead
to gum disease, which is the leading cause of some serious dental
problems and tooth loss in adults.
To prevent gingivitis and its eventual progression into a full-blown
gum disease, it would be best to visit your dentist regularly. Only the
dentist can diagnose the problem and give you the necessary advice and
treatments. That, along with these simple suggestions, can give you a
better fighting chance to ward off gum disease and enjoy better dental
health forever!
Be a strict follower of the “three-three” rule. You should devote at
least 3 minutes 3 times a day to oral hygiene to maintain good dental
health. This is non-negotiable and there should be no ifs and or buts
about it. Anything less than this could deprive your teeth of the
attention they need.
Take the boredom out of brushing. Brushing and flossing are perhaps two
of the most boring activities. It may just be the reason why people
tend to spend less time doing it. To take the boredom out of brushing,
why not try dry brushing (brushing without toothpaste)? This way you
can brush your teeth and perform some other activities at the same time.
Avoid torturing your teeth! Contrary to popular belief, using
toothbrushes with hard bristles and applying undue pressure while
brushing will not give you cleaner teeth. Instead, it will damage the
teeth’s enamel and give your gums a hard time as well. So the next time
you brush, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and please don’t push it
too hard!
Get it thoroughly cleaned. It would be wiser to brush your tongue and
the roof of your mouth the next time you brush your teeth. It will
increase the blood circulation around the tissues in your mouth and may
help minimize the amount of bacteria present. If you are prone to
tartar build-up, you might also want to try tartar control toothpaste.
Just remember to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance or Recognition
when shopping around for one.
Don’t forget to floss. The food debris, which find their way through
the tiny crevices between your teeth, can only be removed by flossing.
This is why flossing is considered extremely important in maintaining
good dental health. For best results, you should floss twice during the
day. You may also want to try using waxed floss to make the task a lot
easier.
See what baking soda can do for your teeth! Baking soda has mild
abrasive properties that can aid in getting rid of plaque. It can also
neutralize the acidity produced by bacterial wastes in the mouth, serve
as an effective deodorizer and give your teeth a gleaming polish! For
best results, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make a
paste and use it to brush your teeth, giving special attention to the
gum line. Do this at least once or twice a week and see the difference!
Eat a more balanced diet - Studies prove that a poor diet may speed up
the rate of gum disease and may also increase the severity of the
condition. To avoid this, make sure your body has all the nutrients it
needs to maintain optimal health.
Make dental visits a routine. Regular visits to your
dentist may help you stay away from gum disease. So, please do your
teeth and yourself a favor. Go visit your dentist regularly!
