Healthy Gums, Healthy Smile: Tips for Keeping Your Gums Healthy

Everyone knows the importance of brushing and flossing to keep your teeth clean and prevent cavities, but did you know that dental hygiene is important for your gums as well? 

Preventing gum disease, known as periodontal disease, is just as important for your overall health. Periodontal disease is when your gums become inflamed because of plaque buildup. It can be harmful to the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. 

This sneaky condition often shows no symptoms until it reaches a moderate or advanced stage, and it’s the primary cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news is that periodontal disease is preventable, and our providers at Dental Studios in Summit and Westfield, New Jersey, are experts at helping you take care of your gums. 

The Dental Studios team provides excellent general dental care and advice, and for those diagnosed with gum disease, we offer specialized periodontal therapy. Our years of experience preventing and treating gum disease means we know the best ways to keep your gums healthy, and we want to share them with you. 

Here are our top tips for keeping your gums healthy to promote a healthy smile.

Floss and brush daily

One of the top ways to keep your gums healthy is having a consistent oral hygiene routine. This means brushing for two minutes at least two times a day. Be sure to focus on your gum line and use a toothpaste with fluoride. 

But brushing alone isn’t enough. Flossing every day removes food and plaque in the hard-to-reach places between your teeth that your brush just can’t reach. 

Using an antiseptic mouthwash can further help eliminate bacteria that lead to plaque and bad breath. Your Dental Studios provider can give you personalized suggestions for better brushing and flossing techniques, along with product recommendations. 

Eat well and drink lots of water

Your diet has a huge impact on your oral health, so think twice before going for that soda or candy! Instead, reach for foods rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and calcium, which help strengthen your teeth and gums. 

Foods like berries, citrus, and fortified whole grains are staples in a gum-healthy diet. Dark leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits combat bacteria that lead to gum disease and even help your body protect against infection. 

Staying hydrated is also essential in preventing plaque buildup because saliva is one of your body’s defenses against it. 

Avoid tobacco

Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco weakens your immune system, thereby increasing your risk for gum disease. This is because a weakened immune system has a more difficult time fighting off a gum infection and takes longer to perform healing processes. 

If you use tobacco, talk to your provider about getting help to quit.

Understand your medicines

You may not realize it, but your medicines could be affecting your oral health. Medicines that cause dry mouth effectively reduce your saliva, an important part of cleaning your mouth and protecting you from plaque. 

If you have dry mouth from medication, a specialized mouthwash or sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production.

See your dentist regularly 

Stopping gum disease before it starts is the best way to keep your gums healthy, and preventive care is essential for doing just that. When your dentist detects gum disease early on, treatment and management are much easier. 

Schedule appointments with your Dental Studios provider every six months to prevent buildup. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings help keep your smile bright, but they’re a great opportunity for your provider to identify early signs of gum disease.

Talk to your dentist about periodontal therapy

If you have gum disease or you’re at risk for other gum-related issues, we’ve got you covered. Our customized periodontal therapy focuses on your gum health, treating any issues you have.

Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) clears plaque and tartar buildup below your gum line. In some cases, surgery is required to graft new gum tissue or to extract damaged gum tissue. 

Periodontal therapy reduces the progression of gum disease and treats symptoms like gum swelling and bleeding. It can also help preserve your natural teeth, keeping your gums and smile healthy as can be. 

If you want to learn more about caring for your gums or about periodontal therapy, we’re here to help! Schedule an appointment online or over the phone at Dental Studios today.