Did you know that healthy gums and teeth can lead to a healthier body? My patients are always interested in learning about quick and easy ways to keep their gums healthy, so I would like to start my first blog post with some helpful tips:
1. Brush and clean between teeth at least once a day with floss or an interdental cleaner to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and to stimulate the gums to prevent gingivitis. I recommend SuperFloss and/or Woven Floss.
2. An oral health physician is just as important as your general practitioner. Find time to have regular professional check-ups and cleanings at least once every 6 months. This is the only way to remove the plaque that has built up and hardened into tartar. Only a professional who uses a Cavitron For Ultrasonic Scaling Technology can remove the tartar above and below the gum-line.
3. Problems arise when plaque doesn’t get removed and inflammation occurs in the gums. Untreated gingivitis may progress into periodontal disease, such as periodontitus, which has been linked to other diseases, including heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
4. Quit smoking and all other forms of tobacco. If you are a smoker, you are more likely to have plaque that hardens on your teeth, deep pockets between your teeth and gums and loss of bone and tissue that supports your teeth.
5. People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease and lose their teeth. Gum disease can cause blood sugar to rise and make diabetes harder to control. If you have diabetes, it’s critical to see your dentist and a periodontist regularly for check-ups.