A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth and gums! Your gums protect your teeth and help stabilize them. But did you know that healthy gums can also play an important role in maintaining overall good health?
Unhealthy, bleeding and inflamed gums not only lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss, but it can also increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, gastrointestinal issues, and even Alzheimer’s! But if you’re already experiencing gum health problems, how can you stop this from happening?
Here’s how you can improve your gum health quickly!
Symptoms of unhealthy gums
But how do you know your gums are unhealthy? Knowing an recognizing the signs is the first step toward a healthy mouth.
Here’s a few signs of periodontal disease to be on the lookout for:
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Tender gums
- Receding gumline
- Sensitive teeth
- Painful chewing
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
What happens if your gums aren’t healthy?
As plaque builds on your gumline, it can make your gums feel painful and inflamed. This is because plaque is extremely irritating to your delicate gum tissues. Left undistribed for 24 to 48 hours, plaque hardens into tartar which is an abrasive film that almost acts like sandpaper to your gum tissues; causing them to chafe and receed from your teeth. Gums merely irritated by plaque can get gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease, and if left untreated will advance into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious bacterial infection of the gums that can cause bone loss around teeth. Although periodontitis is a serious disease, it 100% preventive with the right tools!
How to strengthen gums naturally
If your gums aren’t doing so well, the good news is that nutrition and proper oral care can go a long way toward helping them recover! After all, you’re removing the bacteria that causes gum disease when you brush your teeth and giving your body the nutrients it needs to fight off infection.
Here’s a few things you can do to strengthen your gums:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, ideally after every meal
- Floss once daily
- Use a toothbrush with a rounded head and soft bristles. Soft bristles and rounded brush heads are gentle on gum tissues.
- Rinse with mouthwash
- Avoid foods that are high in sugar
- Eat fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
- Keep regular dental check-up appointments
- Attend your bi-annual dental cleaning
If you’re wondering “how to get healthy gums again” here are a few additional things you can do:
Salt water rinse
Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help kill bacteria in your mouth. Start by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Rinse the solution in your mouth for approximately 10-15 seconds then spit. Make sure not to swallow the salt water. Repeat this 3-4 times per week. A salt water rinse not only reduces the bacteria in your mouth, it also helps eliminate bad breath.
Antibacterial mouthwash
Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help keep the bacteria in your mouth in check. Use a mouthwash that’s alcohol-free, and rinse for 30 then spit. Make this part of your daily routine.
Turmeric powder
Turmeric powder has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce bacterial infections. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little bit of water, and gently apply it onto your gums and teeth. Leave the paste on your gums for at least ten minutes then rinse.
Schedule an appointment
Overall, unhealthy gums can be avoided with proper oral care at home and regular dental visits. If you think you have gum disease, don’t wait to see a periodontist. Let us help. We have two convenient Florida locations in Tampa and Port Richey. Our experienced and reputable periodontists are here to help with all your periodontal needs. Schedule an appointment today.
