Research has shown that your oral health is a mirror image and strongly related to your general health and wellbeing (world health organization). It’s not all about how white your teeth are but the state of health of other supporting structures tissues in the mouth. You definitely can’t forget about your gums. Most people have no clue that anything is wrong with their gums.
What is Gingivitis?
Gum disease starts off when plaque builds up under and over the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film-like element that’s filled with bacteria. It might cause infections that hurt the gum and bone, Plaque also can cause gingivitis, the earliest level of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become:
- Tender
- Inflamed
- Red
- Swollen
- Bleeds easily
Fortunately, since the bone and tissue holding the tooth in place aren’t affected, this damage is reversible.
You may also develop periodontitis, an advanced form of chewing gum disease. Periodontitis impacts the bones that hold each tooth in place. Left with no treatment, it can ruin the gums, bones, and ligament tissues holding your tooth to the bone.
The final stage of gum disease is periodontitis. This is when the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed. It can impact your bite, and tooth might need to be removed.
Signs that show that you may have periodontitis:
- Consistently bad taste or breath
- Separating or loose long-lasting pearly whites
- Gums that easily hemorrhage
- Gums that are enlarged, red, or tender
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
Gum disease is preventable!
Here are a few ways you can help in keeping your gums healthy.
Floss their teeth
Floss at least once daily. Flossing helps remove the plaque and food that’s away from toothbrush’s reach in-between teeth,
Get regular dental cleanings
A professional cleaning called scaling and polishing and other kinds of deep cleaning are the only way to remove tartar effectively. If you have gingivitis, brushing, floss your teeth and regular dental cleaning can help reverse it.
Quit smoking
Smoking is firmly associated with the early onset of gum disease. Since smoking weakens your immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off gum infections, say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Smoking also makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged.
Brush twice a day
Brush your teeth after every meal. This helps remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Wash your tongue too with a tongue scraper since it can harbor bacteria. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and fit in your mouth easily.
A battery-powered or electric toothbrush could also help reduce gingivitis and plaque more than manual brushing. Please take note that your toothbrushes need to be changed every 4-6 weeks and also after an episode of a common cold or other related illness. Sharing of toothbrushes is also not encouraged
Use fluoride-based toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste reduces gingivitis, freshen breath. Make sure you check for the Nigerian Dental Association seal of acceptance and always note the expiry date
Work with a therapeutic mouthwash
Generally available non-prescription, therapeutic mouthwashes can reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, reduces the speed that tarter develops. A rinse helps remove food particles and debris from your mouth area, though it’s not a substitute for flossing or brushing. Look for the NDA seal, which means it’s been deemed effective and safe.