Quick Tips to Improve Gum Health Naturally
Dec 6, 2024
Everyone worries about the appearance and health of their teeth, striving to keep them in peak condition—you’re probably guilty of this as well. But did you know that your gum health should be prioritized all the same?
Often overlooked, healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile and overall oral health. If your gums aren’t doing too good—don’t expect your teeth to fare well either. In the long run, poor gum health will wreak havoc upon your pearly whites, causing serious dental issues, including gum inflammation, periodontal disease, and tooth loss.
And it doesn’t stop there—inflamed gums essentially serve as a gateway for all sorts of bacteria into your bloodstream. This, of course, allows them to spread all over the body, making issues far worse for your overall well-being. Once in your blood, you will be prone to widespread inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even respiratory diseases.
As such, gum health is not to be neglected. It deserves as much care and attention as the rest of your body does. Fortunately for us, there are ample ways to maintain proper oral health without having to rely solely on expensive dental treatments or harsh chemicals. With the help of some natural remedies and lifestyle changes, you can significantly improve your gum health with minimal effort—your gums will thank you for it!
Table of Contents
1. Master the Basics
As basic as it may sound, mastering essential dental habits is the easiest and most straightforward method of keeping your gums and tooth enamel in tip-top condition. Regular brushing and flossing are your best friends in maintaining peak oral health and hygiene, but doing so every once in a while is just not enough.
Dental professionals recommend you brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste 2 times a day as a minimum. As for flossing, it should be done at least once a day to remove food particles from hard-to-reach areas. Hard-bristled toothbrushes are notorious for damaging your gums and causing irritation. As such, swapping it out with a soft-bristled toothbrush instead will help reduce irritation and other gum problems that may arise.
In addition to keeping up with healthy oral habits, a visit to the dentist for a dental checkup is needed to detect any underlying dental issues before they become bigger and more expensive later on. A dentist can also perform a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup from teeth, including in hard-to-reach areas. Removing plaque building along the gum line will help keep your gums healthy and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis.
2. Maintain a Balanced Diet
We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” Whether you believe it or not, what you eat plays a significant role in your overall dental health. Poor diet means poor health, and that extends to your gums as well. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help strengthen your gums and support your immune system, which is crucial for fighting off infections.
Vitamin C and calcium-rich foods are particularly important for your dental health. As such, a healthy diet should consist of dairy products, citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens to keep your gums strong. Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production and help wash away harmful bacteria. A warm salt water rinse can soothe sore gums and reduce inflammation while sipping green tea, which offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Chewing on crunchy veggies like carrots and celery helps naturally maintain healthy teeth and gums.
On the other hand, if you consume lots of sugary treats and drinks, the added sugar can be detrimental to your teeth and gums, as bacteria thrive on sugar, leading to plaque buildup and possibly gingivitis. A balanced diet should include plenty of whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats while minimizing processed foods high in sugar and artificial additives. Incorporating nuts, seeds, and whole grains can also contribute to better oral hygiene due to their nutrient density.
3. No More Smoking
Of course, quitting smoking is easier said than done, but mouth cancer, periodontal disease, loose teeth, gum recession, and heart disease are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider giving it up as soon as possible. The effects of smoking on the rest of your body are just as bad, if not worse. Smoking not only stains your teeth but also weakens your gum tissue, making it more susceptible to infection. The chemicals in cigarettes also impair blood flow to the gums, delaying the recovery process and increasing the risk of gum disease.
Smoking leads to various dental health problems, such as smoker’s keratosis, which is the whitening of the mouth’s soft tissue. It also results in poor healing after dental procedures like tooth removal, leading to dry sockets, as well as contributing to tooth decay and loss. Additionally, smokers often experience decreased taste, bad breath, and a persistent bad taste in the mouth, known as halitosis.
Not only that, but gum disease can be more challenging to detect in individuals who use tobacco, as bleeding gums, a common sign of gum disease, may not be present due to the poor blood supply to the gums caused by tobacco products. Smokers also may not respond as effectively to gum treatment, such as professional dental cleaning, compared to non-smokers. Additionally, the chances of getting mouth cancer are considerably higher for smokers than those who aren’t.
4. Manage Stress Levels
Did you know that your physical health isn’t the only factor you should account for regarding dental health? That’s right, even your mental health can have an impact on your oral and gum health. Stress can manifest in various ways, and one of the often-overlooked effects is its impact on your gums.
When you’re under stress, your body produces higher levels of cortisol, a hormone that can lead to increased inflammation throughout your body, including your gums. This heightened state of inflammation can worsen existing gum issues or even contribute to the development of new ones. Additionally, stress can cause people to engage in harmful habits such as teeth grinding or neglecting their oral hygiene routine. Both of these actions can lead to gum recession, increased sensitivity, and even tooth loss over time.
Remember, taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as looking after your physical health when it comes to maintaining a healthy smile.
Dr. Nabil Mockbil, DDS, BDS
Dr. Nabil Mockbil is the head of Swedish Dental Clinic and one of the most experienced orthodontists in Dubai. By demonstrating incredible skills and embracing a kind attitude, he's proven to be not just a brilliant dentist, but someone you can fully trust with your smile. With 20+ years of experience under his belt and a warm smile on his face, you're search for the best orthodontist in Dubai ends with him.
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