When it comes to oral health, teeth often steal the spotlight. So, it’s not surprising that many patients think brushing is all that’s needed to keep their smile happy and healthy! In reality, that’s not the case. In fact, roughly 50% of Americans struggle with some form of gum disease. As a result, there’s no time like the present to implement some new best practices designed to prioritize your gum health. Read on to learn a few!
First, Why Should You Prioritize Gum Health?
While there are obvious cosmetic drawbacks to red, inflamed, and infected gums, prioritizing your gum health benefits your overall well-being as well. To begin, gum disease can result in tooth loss in the severe stages, making it harder to eat crunchy foods, like fruits and vegetables. Naturally, this can result in poor nutrition, which can lead to problems like fatigue, dizziness, and chronic headaches. It’s also worth noting that gum disease has been linked to inflammation that can increase your risk of serious conditions like heart disease. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you focus on caring for your teeth and your gums!
6 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy
Now that you know why it’s important to take care of your gums, it’s time to discuss how. Here are a few best practices to help:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, cleaning along the gumline in the process
- Floss consistently and daily
- Rinse with mouthwash each morning or evening
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
- Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks
- Quit unhealthy dental habits, like chewing on toothpicks and smoking
The Importance of Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Naturally, the above list isn’t complete without routine dental checkups and cleanings. These visits are crucial for healthy gums for several reasons. To begin, periodic exams ensure your dentist can look for gum disease and intervene in the early stages if it is detected. Furthermore, the cleaning portion of your visit will remove stubborn plaque and tartar, which will help prevent gum disease moving forward. Last, but most certainly not least, these appointments give you an opportunity to talk directly with your dentist about how you can maintain or improve your oral health.
Since gum health impacts everything from your nutrition to your heart, it’s of the utmost importance that you prioritize it each and every day. Of course, if you need any help caring for your smile, then don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist!
About the Practice
Our goal at Westgate Dental Care is to help patients in and around Arlington Heights achieve and maintain healthy smiles. To accomplish this, we are proud to offer both meticulous preventive care and effective periodontal treatment! If you need the latter, you’ll be happy to know that we have painless soft tissue laser therapy and utilize the latest dental technology. As a result, your journey to healthier gums will be comfortable, efficient, and positive. If you want to learn more about how to care for your gums or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (847) 577-7171.