You’ve probably brushed your teeth before and noticed some blood come from your gums. Yes, this is a common occurrence, and you shouldn’t worry if it happens to you once in a blue moon. However, if this is something that is happening to you on a regular basis, then you have good reason to be wary. Truth is that it is a sign that you’re having a serious gum problem. This problem, if left untreated, can cause you to experience tooth and mouth pain and even tooth loss. However, by educating yourself about the possible problems you can have with your gums, you can eliminate many dental issues. Additionally, by following a solid dental regimen, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for much of your adult life.
1. Gum Issues
Periodontal disease is a big issue facing your gums. It comes from a bacterial infection. It is a major cause of poor gum health. However, according to the AARP website, periodontal disease affects more than just your gums. It affect your heart and your joints, too.
Additionally, having a condition like periodontal disease affects you from a cosmetic standpoint, too. Many times, people will lose their teeth due to this disease. While some people may want dental implants to fill in missing teeth, that may not be an option for people with gum disease. According to Dr. Kenneth M. Schweitzer, who is a dentist, dental implants are really for patients with healthy gums.
2. Know the Signs
You can identify periodontal disease by its signs. If you have any of the following, you’ll want to have your dentist check for this disease. If you have gums that feel tender and swollen or receding gums, you might have periodontal disease. Loose or sensitive teeth, lingering bad breath, or pain when you chew food are also signs. Don’t just excuse and say that it will get better, though. That is something that you should take seriously and act promptly on. Of course, you should also take the necessary measures to combat those signs as well. You can do this by using a different toothpaste that works better than the one that you’re already using. You can also change your habits by brushing your teeth more frequently, flossing more, not eating or drinking after brushing your teeth in the evening before going to bed, and a whole bunch of other things. Ask your dentist about what more you can do on your end to better your condition.
3. Eat Lots of Calcium
You’ll also want to eat a diet that’s low in sugar and high in nutrients. Calcium can be particularly important for fighting off this disease. A diet low in calcium doesn’t allow for healthy tooth and bone growth. Although periodontal disease is bacterial in nature, your body’s calcium levels also play a role in gum health. Some foods that are high in calcium that you might enjoy are raw milk, kale, yogurt, broccoli, cheese, edamame, figs, okra, oranges, almonds, and bok choy. As you can see, dairy products are not your only source of getting calcium into your system. If you’re vegan or simply lactose intolerant, you really have no excuse to go without this much needed nutrient. Taking from the ingredients above, you can put together a calcium-packed salad with just kale, shredded broccoli, shelled edamame beans, and chopped almonds. You can then squeeze an orange on top to substitute the need for dressing. See? Getting those nutrients in is simple, delicious, and healthy.
4. Regular Check-Ups
Seeing a dentist on a regular basis can help you stave off periodontal disease. Aside from giving you regular cleanings, which help, your dentist can help you identify the early signs of this ailment. See your dentist at least twice a year—so every six months. Go more often if you are particularly prone to dental issues and don’t hesitate to go if you experience any type of tooth pain or discomfort. When you go and see your dentist, be absolutely honest about your habits. You may not want to admit that you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly, but your dentist needs to know everything so that he or she can help you the best that they can. If the dentist gives you any type of feedback or suggestion, take it with a grain of salt and take immediate action to apply it to your life. Not only can it increase the quality of your life in the future, but it could possibly prevent you from getting certain diseases as well, which could definitely be saving your life in the long term perspective of things.
Gum disease can affect more than just the state of your gums. Your cardiovascular system, as well as your joints, can be adversely affected by periodontal disease. Regular checkups plus solid dental care ensure that your gums remain healthy. Taking these steps prevents all sorts of gum issues and leads to a healthier smile.