Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues among adults and can lead to tooth loss if untreated. Signs of gum disease include red and swollen gums, bad breath and gums that easily bleed. Luckily, you can take steps to reduce your risk of the disease. Here are a few ways to take better care of your gums.
- Make flossing a top priority. Although brushing your teeth twice a day is important, it will not remove the plaque between your teeth. Only floss can do that. To reduce your risk of gum disease, gently floss between your teeth once a day. If you have trouble remembering to do this, you should think about setting a reminder on your smartphone.
- Put down the cigarettes. If you currently smoke tobacco, you have yet another reason to quit: your gum health. Smoking can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections, including ones in your gums. Quitting this habit can help your gums and overall health.
- Eat more vitamin C-rich foods. Increasing your vitamin C intake will not just reduce your risk of catching flus or colds. It can also make you less susceptible to gum disease. Vitamin C can boost your immune system and make your gums at less risk to infections. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, bell peppers and tomatoes.
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash. An antimicrobial mouthwash can decrease the amount of acid and bacteria in your mouth, which can reduce your risk of gum disease. Think about rinsing with this mouthwash after meals.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings. Even if your gums seem to be fine, it is still important to visit your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning. The dental hygienist will use advanced tools to remove hardened plaque that your toothbrush and floss could not reach. He or she will also look for early signs of gum disease and suggest treatment options if necessary, such as a deep cleaning.
- Limit your consumption of alcohol. Drinking too many alcoholic beverages can negatively affect many parts of your body, including your gums. The bacteria in your mouth will feed off the sugar in alcohol, increasing your risk of gum disease. To avoid this, only drink alcohol in moderation.