Food Lovers, Take Good Care of Your Teeth and Gums

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If you are a certified food lover, tend to satisfy your cravings and seem to treat yourself with really good and yummy foods, well, you should also bear in mind that taking good care of your teeth and gums is as important as eating your meals a day.

Good oral hygiene such as brushing your teeth and proper flossing reduces the risk of cavities. Regular oral hygiene also helps reduce the risk of gum disease, which is caused by bacteria found in dental plaque.

To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. The best way to do this is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Signs of Gum disease

Gum disease is usually painless, so you may not know you have it until you experience one or more of the above signs. If you experience any of the above signs, see your dentist. Some medications may cause your gums to be swollen or to bleed, so tell your dentist about any medications you are taking.

Your gums bleed easily, for example when you brush and floss or even when you eat.
Your gums are red, swollen, or tender
You have bad breath that does not go away.
You have an unpleasant taste in your mouth that does not go away.
Your gums have pulled away from the teeth.
You find pus between your teeth and gums.
Your teeth are loose. There is a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down or a change in the fit of your partial dentures.

Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums (or gingiva), the soft tissue that surrounds the base of your teeth. It is usually caused by the buildup of plaque. The toxic effects of the bacteria cause gums to become irritated, red, and swollen and the gums may bleed easily. The plaque also forces the gums to recede from the teeth.

Primarily, gingivitis can develop into the more serious condition called periodontitis, which is the inflammation of membranes around the base of the teeth. This sever effect can cause erosion of the bone holding the teeth in place resulting in tooth loss.

Gingivitis periodontitis diseases are painless until it is almost too late to save teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause bad breath and swollen bleeding gums and eventual tooth loss. In fact, gingivitis periodontal diseases are the major reason for adult tooth loss. Despite all of these facts, periodontal diseases are also some of the most preventable diseases. However, such can be effectively prevented with a strict oral hygiene regimen.

Protecting your teeth and gums

Brush teeth, gums, and tongue gently with a soft-bristled brush after meals and snacks. If unable to brush after all meals and snacks, brush at least twice a day.
Clean between teeth with dental floss (to get where a toothbrush cannot reach) at least once per day.
Eat a balanced diet limiting the intake of processed sugars, like candy and other snacks that contain a lot of sugar.
Be sure that your toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride, the most common active ingredient in toothpaste, is what prevents cavities. Thus, toothpastes may contain abrasives, detergents, and foaming agents.
Visit your dentist regularly (as often as he or she recommends, usually once per year or once every 6 months).

Dentists say that the most important part of tooth care happens at home. Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Remember that taking good care of them does not have to be very expensive and effort-taking. After all, it only takes some practice of making it a habit. So, brush your way to healthier teeth and gums all the time. Eat, indulge, clean and smile!