Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Why are Healthy Gums Important

Gums are important. They support your teeth by creating a tight seal that keeps out bacteria and helps to keep your teeth in place. Learning how to keep gums healthy will benefit your oral health along with your overall health. According to Harvard Women’s Health Watch, periodontal disease, or periodontitis (serious gum disease), “has long been known as the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. But the damage isn’t confined to the mouth. Gum disease has also been associated with an increased risk of serious degenerative diseases.” Serious degenerative diseases could include diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or other health complications. 

What Do Healthy Gums Look Like

To really understand what healthy gums look and feel like, it is helpful to know what unhealthy gums look and feel like. Unhealthy gums will likely bleed, feel and look swollen, look really red or really white, and may feel tender to touch or to chew. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Apple Tree Dental today to set up an examination and receive advice from professionals on how to solve this problem. Healthy gums, on the other hand, are not going to be swollen and tender. Instead of being red or white, they should be more of a pink color. 

How Can I Keep My Gums Healthy

In order to have and maintain healthy gums, you must pay attention to your oral hygiene. Most problems that come with unhealthy gums and gum disease can be easily avoided by creating good oral hygiene habits. These habits could include brushing your gums, flossing daily, drinking lots of water, not smoking, eating healthy snacks such as carrots or celery, avoiding sugary foods (especially sticky candy that stays around in your mouth for a long period of time), and attending regular dental appointments and check-ups.  

Attending regular dental appointments and check-ups plays a key role in keeping gums healthy because your dentist will be able to identify if a potential gum disease problem is starting and help you take preventative steps to reverse the trend. They will help you know which habits such as brushing and flossing need to be improved in order for you to keep up on your oral hygiene. 

Drinking lots of water and eating healthy snacks such as carrots or celery can be a great way of taking care of your gums and oral health. This is because when you drink water, it helps flush out the bacteria that likes to sit in your mouth and on your gums. Snacks such as celery and carrots are a great choice because they are water-based. They won’t leave behind gunk that will stick around in your mouth and cause problems. Plus, they contain nutrients that are beneficial to your overall health. 

For any dental services involving the condition of your gums, contact Apple Tree Dental today! Our dentists are experienced and ready to help you resolve issues, provide a plan for prevention, and improve your overall oral health.