Gum Care — Kosmic Dental Clinic

Most people tend to overlook their gums, when it comes to oral health and focus on getting a bright, white smile instead. However, healthy teeth require healthy gums.Gum disease occurs when bacteria-containing plaque builds up on the teeth. They’re the same bacteria that produce acids that weaken and destroy tooth enamel. If they’re powerful enough to bore holes in your teeth, imagine what they can do to your softer and more sensitive gums. Bleeding, swollen, or sore gums are the first signs of gingivitis or early stage gum disease. Other symptoms include bad breath, sensitivity, and even pus discharge.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to Periodontitis. The gums may also pull away from the teeth, leading to painful and loose teeth. This can result in the eventual loss of permanent teeth.

"Tips for Gum care"

1. Brush your teeth and your gums:-

This is one of the easiest gum health tips you can follow at home. Brushing your teeth isn’t just about removing plaque from the surface of your pearly whites. It’s also about removing plaque from your gums, and any other buildup you might find there.

2. Floss, floss, floss:-

According to the American Dental Association it is recommended to floss, or clean between your teeth, once a day. Bacteria can linger between your teeth even if you’ve thoroughly brushed. Flossing really helps to target the bacteria that might be hiding under the gum line. Doing this daily can help reduce any bacterial buildup.

3. Maintain a healthy diet:-

Maintaining a healthy diet is also an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The starchy and sugar-filled treats we enjoy munching help to feed the bacteria in your mouth and can lead to gum disease or tooth decay.
Drink plenty of water to wash away bacteria and keep saliva levels high. Consume calcium-rich foods that help fortify your teeth and bones.

4. Set up visits to the dentist regularly:-

Invest in making routine visits to your dentist. Go to a dentist, that you trust and makes you feel comfortable, when you have questions regarding your oral hygiene. If you have insurance, be sure to take full advantage of the benefits they offered. Many plans offer a visit every six months for a cleaning and routine check-up. Create a reminder to schedule your appointment.

5. Keep your teeth safe:-

Your teeth are priceless. At all costs, avoid using them for tasks that a pair of scissors can accomplish. While it may be tempting to use your teeth for practical uses such as opening sauce packets or even chewing on a pen cap while you try to concentrate. These actions can wear down your teeth over time, or worse, cause injury. Many people experience tooth chipping or breaking due to this form of misuse.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy should be given the same attention as other areas of your body.

• Smoking is also one of the major reason of gum disease.
• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking makes a person more susceptible to gum disease, because it weakens the immune system.

The CDC recommend quitting smoking immediately to help reduce the risk of developing gum disease. The use of other tobacco products can also increase a person’s risk.Proper care of the teeth and gums requires minimal time commitment. A healthy diet, a consistent oral home hygiene program, and regular professional cleanings and check-ups will keep teeth and gums in excellent shape, and leave you with a beautiful, healthy smile.

Reviewed By :
Dr. Abhishek Kr. Pandey
(Associate Dentist)