Taking care of your gums is essential for ensuring a strong and healthy smile for years to come. Consistent oral hygiene at home and visiting a periodontist are essential ways to maintain healthy gums. However, in addition to professional cleanings with your periodontist, you can try these less obvious gum health tips to protect your gums as effectively as possible.
1. Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a straightforward gum care procedure that removes plaque, food particles, bacteria, and other contaminants. This helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, and common issues such as bad breath.[1]
The process involves swishing an oil like coconut in your mouth for a few minutes daily first thing in the morning. This can help remove particles that don’t dissolve in water but do dissolve in oil. It also assists in reducing inflammation and relieving red swollen gums.[1]
2. Gum Massages
Gently massaging your gums with your fingers or the soft bristles of your toothbrush supports oral health by increasing blood circulation.[2] This process can lower inflammation and promote overall healing. You can incorporate gum massages into your daily oral hygiene routine to reduce your risk of a variety of issues. The improved gum health helps prevent receding gums and other long-term problems.
3. Herbal Rinses
Herbal rinses provide a natural solution for those dealing with inflamed gums.[2] They incorporate a variety of herbs that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, such as sage and chamomile. An herbal rinse could be an excellent solution for short-term relief if you’re dealing with gum inflammation. Of course, make sure to talk with your periodontist about the issue to find a long-term solution or before beginning.
4. Probiotics
Harmful bacteria in your mouth are the root cause of both gum disease and tooth decay. A probiotic protects your teeth and gums by promoting beneficial bacteria.[3] You can balance your oral microbiome to support healthy gums. Healthy bacteria compete with harmful bacteria, reducing their impact. This will minimize plaque buildup and inflammation, keeping you comfortable and reducing oral health risks.
5. A Nutritious Diet
Your diet also plays a key role in supporting healthy gums. Make sure to get plenty of variety in your diet to fulfill all your nutritional needs. Essential vitamins and minerals for gum health include vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and antioxidants. Leafy greens, lean protein, and colorful fruits are all excellent sources of these nutrients.
6. Proper Brushing
How you brush your teeth impacts your gum health. Use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums when brushing. Brush in a circular motion to ensure proper coverage without pushing too hard and risk damaging gum tissue and enamel.
7. Avoiding Risk Factors
Certain risk factors significantly increase your risk of gum disease. Tobacco use is a prime example that should be avoided in all forms. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and other tobacco products have a massive impact on your gum health.
8. Watching for Early Signs of Gum Disease
About 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have some level of gum disease.[5] Acting as soon as possible is the best way to handle the condition. Some common signs of gum disease include:
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Gum recessions
- Loose teeth
Watch for these signs yourself, and keep up with regular dental checkups.
9. Maintaining a Strong Immune System
Gum disease is an infection of your gum tissue caused by bacteria. Maintaining a strong immune system overall goes a long way toward protecting your gum health. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and reducing stress in your life all contribute to a strong immune system that can fight off infection.
Put These Gum Health Tips Into Action
If you try these gum health tips, you could be surprised by just how big of a difference they make. However, don’t forget the importance of visiting a periodontist to get the personalized advice and quality care you need. Call Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester at 585-534-3346 or contact us online today to get started.
Sources:
[1] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-oil-pulling-your-best-choice-for-dental-health
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6540781/
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2897872/
[5] https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/gum-periodontal-disease.html
