How to fight gum disease
Gum disease or periodontal disease is typically caused when plaque, which is continuously forming on the teeth, accumulates to excessive levels. This plaque hardens into a substance called tartar, which is very tightly bound to the teeth and eventually destroys the surrounding tissues that support the teeth. The earliest symptom of gum disease is bleeding from the gums. At its very worst, you could lose your teeth to gum disease.
Fighting Gum Disease
Home care, which includes proper dietary choices, good dental hygiene and a healthy lifestyle are the major factors in fighting gum disease.
Proper Diet- Dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, fish and grain all contribute in different ways towards the health of your gums and should be included in your regular diet.
Good Dental Hygiene - Brushing and flossing the teeth at least twice a day are the core of fighting gum disease and both are equally important for preventing build-up of plaque and the dreaded tartar. Brushing helps remove the plaque that forms on the surface of the teeth. Flossing is essential for removing plaque from places that a regular brush cannot reach including under the gum line and in between the teeth. Fluoride-containing toothpastes and mouth washes help strengthen the teeth and gums and prevent decay.
Healthy Lifestyle - Starchy foods as well as foods that are high in sugar encourage the growth of harmful plaque-causing bacteria and should be eaten in limited amounts. Brushing the teeth immediately after indulging in these foods can go a long way in preventing the onset of gum disease. Hard candies and jellybeans that stay in the mouth for long periods of time are best avoided as they are sugar-rich and the longer they stay in the mouth the more prolonged the attack on the gums.
Visits to the Dentist - Regular visits to the dentist are essential for keeping gums healthy and preventing the progression of any gum disease that may have set in.