The unfortunate truth is that most people fail to understand the importance of gum care, which is essential for oral health. While the need for pearly whites is universally acknowledged and accepted, unhealthy gums will lead to the teeth being in poor condition, regardless of what one does.
Gum diseases can have dangerous consequences when left undetected, or worse still, detected but not treated. There are luckily some easy guidelines that you can follow to make sure you do not have to experience gum problems. These include healthy oral hygiene practices like daily brushing and flossing teeth, choosing the right kinds of toothpaste, using a mouthwash, quitting smoking, and paying regular visits to the dentist for routine check-ups.
Gum care tips for better oral health include the following dos and don’ts:
1. Do: Soft bristles
You must use a toothbrush with soft bristles as they will be easy on your gums and you can access the hard-to-reach places when you brush.
2. Do: Brush and floss often
You must brush your teeth at least twice every day and preferably after meals. Simply cleaning the teeth is not good enough; the entire mouth and gums should be cleaned properly.Flossing is advisable as these will keep both the gums and teeth healthy
3. Do: Avoid grinding
If there is any nighttime grinding this should be checked and you can talk to your dentist about treatment options.
4. Do: Eat fiber
You must eat more fiber-rich vegetables and fruits like celery, apples, and carrots that stimulate saliva flow and prevent plaque growth on teeth. Many fruits containing vitamin C are necessary for healthy gums while those with vitamin A can build tooth enamel.
5. Do: Calcium and vitamin D
Calcium, vitamin D, and phosphates contained in milk, cheese, and dairy foods can prevent tooth decay. The calcium present in such foods will prevent acid damage to teeth and help to build enamel. Those who do not get enough calcium from meals can choose to drink calcium-fortified juices and soy milk.
Sugarless chewing gum will help to cleanse the damaging acid from the teeth once you have eaten your meal.
6. Do: Drink tea
Green tea and back tea contain compounds for treating plaque and killing bacteria; this prevents cavities and gum problems.
7. Do: Omega-3s
Omega-3 acids in flaxseed, fish oil and fish have anti-inflammatory properties. So, consuming these foods can resist inflammation, and prevent gum diseases.
8. Do: Drink water
Drinking lots of water helps as this rinses sugar and acids from your mouth. If it contains fluoride it is even better as it will remineralize the tooth surface.
9. Don’t: Use hard bristles
You must not use a hard-bristled toothbrush as this may cause pain.
10. Don’t: Eat sugar or refined carbs
Eating sugar or candies is not good for oral health as these will promote bacterial growth in the mouth.
Refined carbs and starches in chips, pasta, bread, etc are harmful as bacteria feeds on the sugar in them.
Sports drinks and carbonated soft drinks must be avoided too as these have very high levels of added sugar that erode the enamel on the teeth, making them stained.
Sugary cereals should also be avoided as the sugar tends to get stuck in the plaque between your teeth.
11. Don’t: Eat acidic foods
When learning about gum care tips for better oral health you must remember that all acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and pickles, wine and honey have components capable of eroding the teeth enamel. So, it is best not to keep them in your mouth for long.