Don’t be fooled into thinking that only your skin, heart, and lungs are prone to disease as you get older. Your teeth and gums are also vulnerable to damage, especially if you neglect proper oral care habits or eat too many foods that trigger decay. Use these tips to prevent gum disease and safeguard the health and integrity of your mouth.
What Should You Know About Gum Disease?
Gum disease does not form instantaneously. It develops over time in stages. This means that gum disease can often be prevented and minimized with simple diet and lifestyle changes.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease that is defined by red and swollen gums that bleed easily. This is a common condition that can be easily resolved with improved brushing and flossing habits. The damage is reversible as long as the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place are not impacted.
However, if gingivitis is not resolved, it will advance into a more serious version of gum disease called periodontitis. This final stage of gum disease destroys the gum tissue and underlying bone structure that is needed to support the teeth.
Eat the Right Foods
Your eating choices have more of an effect on your gums and teeth than you might realize. If you regularly choose foods and drinks high in sugar or refined carbohydrates, you are encouraging bacteria to accumulate and cause significant damage. But preventing gum disease isn’t just about avoiding “bad” foods; it’s also about choosing foods that actively improve gum health.
- Salmon and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids
- Chewing gum with xylitol
- Raw vegetables and apples
- Nuts and seeds
Revise Your Oral Care Routine
What is your current oral care routine? Do you only brush? Brush and floss? Maybe rinse? Most people don’t make it past brushing, but taking a few extra minutes to floss, rinse, and even oil pull can have enormous benefits on your oral health.
Oil pulling fights gingivitis and gum disease by pulling bacteria, sugar, and toxins out of your mouth. As a bonus, it also makes your teeth whiter and keeps your breath fresh.
Use LANAP to Regenerate Your Mouth
LANAP is FDA-cleared to offer a less painful and more successful alternative to the conventional surgery used to treat periodontal disease. It sterilizes infected gum tissues, destroys bacteria, and helps healthy gums reattach to the teeth in a short period of time. LANAP is actually the only scientific, research-proven methodology to achieve true periodontal regeneration. Since it can target inflammation without harming healthy gum tissue, this treatment can be used to slow or even stop the oral damage caused by periodontal disease.
Dental Implant Solutionz in Largo, Florida is proud to offer gum disease prevention support as well as LANAP for all patients. Call (727) 202-4926 to make your first appointment with Dr. Tadros today.
