Did you know that September is National Gum Care Month? While it may not be as well-known as other national observances, it’s an important one for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy smile. Gum care is often overlooked, but it’s a crucial part of overall oral health. Neglecting your gums can lead to a host of problems, including gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.
So, what can you do to keep your gums healthy? In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for maintaining good gum health. From brushing and flossing to eating a healthy diet, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your gums in tip-top shape. So, let’s dive in and learn more about why gum care is so important!
What is National Gum Care Month?
National Gum Care Month is an observance that aims to raise awareness about the importance of gum care and to encourage people to take better care of their gums. The month-long celebration was started by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, a non-profit organization that is committed to improving oral health outcomes through education and innovation. The organization recognized the need to highlight the importance of gum care, as it is often overlooked but is a crucial part of overall oral health. Thus, National Gum Care Month was born. The observance takes place every September, and it is an opportunity for dental professionals and healthcare providers to educate their patients and the general public about the importance of gum care. Through education and awareness, the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry hopes to reduce the incidence of gum disease and improve oral health outcomes for people across the country.
What Happens When You Don’t Take Care of Your Gums
Your gums play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. They surround and support your teeth, providing them with the necessary blood supply and nourishment. Neglecting your gums can lead to a host of problems, including gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Unfortunately, many people tend to overlook the importance of gum care, focusing solely on keeping their teeth clean. Neglecting your gums can have serious consequences for your overall health, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, and weakened immune system. In addition, problems with regulating diabetes effects can also arise. However, if you notice the symptoms of gum disease early on, you can take control of your oral health and get your gums back to being healthy. Some common symptoms of gum disease include
- Mouth sores and inflammation
- Having bad breath or a constant sour or bad taste in your mouth
- Bleeding gums
- Seperating or loose permanent teeth
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- Swollen, red, tender gums
Tips to Care For Your Gums During National Gum Care Month & Year Round
Taking care of your gums is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. Neglecting your gums can lead to a host of problems, including gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. As we celebrate National Gum Care Month this September, it’s important to remember that gum care should be a year-round priority. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy gums, so you can keep your smile looking and feeling its very best.
Floss Daily
One important tip for maintaining healthy gums during National Gum Care Month and year round is to floss daily. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along your gum line, where your toothbrush can’t reach. By flossing daily, you can help prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease. It’s important to use the proper flossing technique to ensure that you’re effectively removing debris from your gums. Your dentist at Ideal Dental Solutions can demonstrate the proper technique and provide personalized recommendations for your oral health needs.
Avoid Smoking
If you’re looking for ways to maintain healthy gums, avoiding smoking is a crucial step. The harmful chemicals found in cigarettes and tobacco products can weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off infections, including those that can affect your gums. When you smoke, the nicotine and other harmful chemicals in cigarettes can reduce blood flow to your gums, which is essential for keeping them healthy. This decrease in blood flow can lead to inflammation, making it harder for your gums to heal and increasing your risk of gum disease.
In addition to these risks, smoking also damages the tissue in your mouth, making it harder for your gums to regenerate and heal themselves. Over time, smoking can cause irreversible damage to your gums, which can lead to tooth loss and other oral health problems.
Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your overall health, as well as your oral health. By stopping smoking, you can reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and other oral health problems. You’ll also be doing your body a favor by reducing your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious health problems associated with smoking. If you’re struggling to quit, talk to your dentist or healthcare provider about resources and support that can help you kick the habit for good.
Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
Our next gum health tip that we are sharing in celebration of National Gum Care Month is using a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is an essential ingredient in toothpaste that plays a crucial role in the maintenance of good oral health. Most toothpaste brands contain fluoride as it helps prevent tooth decay by promoting remineralization and slowing down enamel deterioration.
Remineralization is the process of restoring minerals to the tooth enamel that have been lost due to the acid-producing bacteria that thrive in our mouths. Fluoride helps to speed up this process, which in turn helps to strengthen and protect the teeth against further decay.
In addition to promoting remineralization, fluoride also strengthens weak spots in the enamel and exposed roots. Weak spots in the enamel can develop due to a variety of reasons, including poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking, and acidic foods and drinks. These weak spots can lead to cavities and other dental problems, but with the help of fluoride, they can be strengthened and protected against future damage.
Brush at Least Twice a Day
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to prevent gum disease and other oral complications. One of the best ways to take care of your gums during National Gum Health Month and year round is is by brushing your teeth regularly. It is recommended to brush your teeth after every meal to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup. When plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar, which can lead to gum disease. However, if brushing after every meal is not possible, brushing your teeth at least twice a day can still help prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
In addition to brushing your teeth, it is also important to clean your tongue each time you brush. The tongue is a breeding ground for bad bacteria, which can cause bad breath and other oral health problems.
Visit Your Dentist at Ideal Dental Solutions for Regular Cleanings
One of the best ways to help promote gum health during National Gum Health Month and year round is by visiting your dentist at Ideal Dental Solutions for regular cleanings. Professional cleanings can reach areas that are difficult to clean at home, such as below the gumline. Additionally, your dentist can identify any signs of gum disease early on and recommend treatment to prevent further damage. Regular checkups can also help maintain good oral health and prevent other dental complications. So, make sure to schedule regular appointments with your dentist to keep your gums healthy and your smile bright!
Taking Care of Your Smile With the Help of Ideal Dental
National Gum Care Month is an important observance that aims to raise awareness about the importance of gum care and encourage people to take better care of their gums. Neglecting your gums can lead to a host of problems, including gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. By following the tips and tricks for maintaining good gum health outlined in this blog post, you can keep your gums in tip-top shape year-round. From brushing and flossing to eating a healthy diet and visiting your dentist regularly, taking care of your gums is a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. So, let’s celebrate National Gum Care Month and make gum care a priority in our daily lives!
