The Sum of the Gums/Dental Hygiene

The benefits are boundless, and the risks associated with neglect are equally "jaw dropping". What you eat together with the frequency of brushing, flossing, and other preventative measures, all adds up to the sum of healthy gums free from gingivitis. The following tips will explore healthy practices as well as the risks you will want to avoid.

HEALTHY PRACTICES

Brushing
Brushing your teeth after every meal is ideal. If this is not practical, you will want to brush at least two times per day. This sounds easy enough, but brushing alone isn't a sufficient safeguard against gum disease. Did you know that brushing alone will only clean 60% of your teeth? Why leave the other 40% to chance? Brush frequently as well as observing other preventative measures listed below.

Flossing
Flossing daily is also beneficial, as it will polish the tooth surface and help to remove particles of food and bacteria that have settled between the teeth. Those who have tightly placed or crowded teeth should try using a polymer floss or an automatic flosser.

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Massage
Oral massage will help stimulate the blood flow to the gums. A tonic of essential oils that contain antiseptic properties, such as wintergreen and eucalyptus, is most effective.

Rinsing with Mouthwash
Mouthwashes that contain a diluted-grade hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or saline will help to rinse bacteria from the base of the gums. These can be made at home or purchased over the counter; however, their safeguarding effect is only temporary. To both prevent and heal gum disease, a mouthwash containing folic acid in a 0.1% solution has been shown to be successful.

Dental Checkups
Regular semi-annual dental checkups will also help detect and thwart early gum disease.

Healthy Diet
A varied diet that is rich in organic vegetables, fruits, lean meats, whole grains, and Omega-3, also promotes healthy gums. It is also important to thoroughly chew food, and to avoid foods that have a high sugar or acid content.

RISKS

Gum Disease
Surprisingly, and unbeknown to many, gum disease is prevalent in the adult population. Hallmarks of the condition include sore or inflamed gum tissue, halitosis (bad breath), and bleeding gums after brushing. Further uncommon knowledge is that there is a link between gum disease and heart disease! Increased amounts of the markers for heart disease (C-reactive protein-a serum) have been found in the blood of those who have existing gum disease as well as a high body mass index (BMI).

So what's the bottom line? Proper oral hygiene protects more than a beautiful smile. Consult with a dental expert should your gums remain sore or continue to bleed despite using the healthy practices listed here.

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