Gum disease is one of the most common dental diseases in the modern world. According to CDC, more than 47 percent of American adults have gum disease. Gum disease is caused by bacteria growing below the gum line. This results in the gums being pulled away from the root of the teeth. If left untreated, it can cause loss of teeth due to lack of supporting gums around the root. Earlier stages of the disease can be cured by a simple cleaning. Later stages of the disease may require surgical methods. As always, it is best to prevent the disease.
But, "How exactly?" you may ask.
As with the prevention of all dental diseases, daily hygiene is essential. Floss and brush your teeth daily, at least once before you go to bed at night. It may be better if you floss and brush after each meal. Simply cleaning your mouth regularly will help reduce bacteria growth. If you cannot brush or floss, chew sugar-free gum after meals. While it isn't the same as flossing and brushing your teeth, saliva produced by chewing gum aids in cleansing the mouth after meals. Avoid highly processed or high sugar foods. Foods that contain a high amount of refined sugar promotes rapid bacteria growth in the mouth. Over time, this may lead to gum disease.
Despite our best daily efforts, over time, plaque may develop. Early plaque formation can simply be cleaned by a dentist. Most people can benefit from a dental appointment twice a year. And if your dentist recommends, a professional cleaning of the plaque removal will greatly benefit your oral health. A stitch in time saves nine. A simple cleaning done in a timely manner can save you a complicated surgery down the line.
Healthy nutrition is the basis of all health, and dental health is no different. Your gums and teeth need a lot of nutrition, a variety of vitamins, and minerals to keep them healthy. Avoid junk food, highly processed and packaged food that contains a lot of refined sugar, oil, and salt, along with tons of chemicals. Most of your diet should consist of unprocessed whole plant-based foods, including a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. This ensures that you get everything you need for healthy gums, including all the of vitamins and minerals required to keep your gums healthy.
One vitamin that deserves particular mention is Vitamin C. Studies show that a Vitamin C deficiency is a significant cause of gum diseases. You can increase your Vitamin C intake by eating fruits like oranges, strawberries, and kiwis, as well as taking supplements. Be sure to clean your teeth after consuming these fruits, as they also contain high amounts of sugar and acids, which can harm your teeth if over consumed.
Often overlooked, our first line of defense against gum disease is our saliva. Saliva contains proteins and minerals that help fight with germs, and when you are dehydrated, you stop producing saliva. Therefore, drink water regularly. Also, notice some drinks, like tea, coffee, or energy drinks may dehydrate you by increasing urination.
Preventing gum diseases can be beneficial to you in the long run. If you follow the necessary prevention protocols then you won't have to even worry about gum diseases because you will have prevented it. Gum diseases can be painful, expensive, and all around unhealthy. It's better to maintain healthy oral hygiene so that gum diseases won't appear at all.
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