When it comes to dental health, most people focus on their teeth. Your gums are just as important to your health as your teeth. If you have gum issues, you may see health problems across your entire body. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to visit your dentist and have gum issues treated. Here Eriks Dental Groups explains some of the ways that you can tackle gum issues.
Brush Twice Per Day
It’s very important that you brush twice per day. You need to brush once in the morning and then again before you go to bed. Brushing removes food, other debris, and bacteria from your mouth. Naturally, this reduces bacteria growth and prevents damage to your teeth and gums. Daily brushing also helps to strengthen your teeth and gums, so they are less likely to develop disease or issues in the future.
Floss Regularly
It’s also important that you floss each day. You should be flossing at least once per day, but you may need to floss more if your teeth are in particularly bad condition. Flossing removes food and debris from the spaces between your teeth, where a brush usually cannot reach. Additionally, doing it every night can help protect them from gum disease and other issues that affect the health of a person’s mouth.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
If you have gum issues, you need to visit your dentist regularly. A dental professional can check the state of your gums and teeth to determine whether they are in good condition. If they spot any problems, they can treat them so that your mouth remains healthy for the future.
Change Your Diet and Drug Use Habits
Eating foods that are high in sugar, corrosive (like sodas), or are likely to stain teeth (like coffee) can damage your teeth. Changing what you eat and drink can reduce the risk significantly.
The medications that you take can also damage your teeth. If you take any prescription medications, be sure to check their side effects before taking them. Some prescription drugs can cause gum disease or other issues in a person’s mouth. Check with your doctor to make sure that they won’t cause you any problems. If you’re using any illicit substances like methamphetamine, ecstasy, or cocaine, you should know that one of the many side effects of using is tooth decay.
Change Your Toothpaste
You should also consider switching to a different brand of toothpaste. Try to find one that has been shown to be effective at preventing problems with gums. Look for toothpaste that contains fluoride as well so you can reduce the risk of gum issues and other dental problems in the future. If you’re dealing with gum issues, most dentists recommend using Parodontax Toothpaste.
Use Mouthwash
Use mouthwash regularly. Mouthwash kills bacteria in the places that flossing and brushing cannot reach. This will help to keep your mouth free of bacteria and plaque so that it is less likely to have problems with gums or tooth decay.
The strongest mouthwashes often use alcohol as one of the main ingredients. However, there are other, more natural alternatives that can be found on the market.
Use a Water Flosser
You can also use a water flosser to clean between teeth and gums. This will allow you to clean any blockages or buildup in your mouth so that the bacteria that cause gum disease cannot thrive there.
Water flossers can be very helpful for many people, but they can also be expensive. If you have a water flosser, make sure that you’re using it properly so that you are not harming your teeth or gums.
Gum Issues? Ask a Dentist for Help
Any time you have dental issues, ask a dentist for help. Dentists can perform procedures that you cannot do at home and can treat more advanced cases of gum diseases. Eriks Dental Group helps patients find the right way to improve their dental hygiene. If you’re looking for an outstanding dentist to take care of your mouth, contact Eriks Dental Group today! We’ll give you a reason to smile.