If you think of your gums as another part of your body, and take care of them accordingly, they’ll respond by looking after you for a lifetime. But many people don’t do that. When left unkindly neglected, the gums frequently betray their owners by growing red and swollen. This is the first stage in a downward spiral towards tooth loss, gum bleed and decay causing periodontal disease. Yet these problems are not inevitable; they are completely avoidable if we take appropriate measures to protect our gums. The most effective strategy is known as “prevention:” an ounce of cure is worth a pound of whatever comes afterward. That means doing everything possible to protect your gums from further damage or infection:
Brush with dental care
The single most important thing we can do for our gums is brush them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Use a toothbrush designed for those with periodontal disease, or gum disease. There are two critical aspects of brushing: one is thoroughness, the other is gentleness. For thoroughness, you need to brush in both the front and rear of your mouth, along the gums and the roof of your mouth. People with gum disease often have receding gums, which means that the gums are pulling away from the teeth, exposing them to decay.
You can prevent this by using a soft-bristled brush to massage your gums daily, thereby stimulating your body to produce more new gum tissue. Successful brushing also requires gentleness. The more vigorous your brushing, the more likely it is to cause gum recession and/or bleeding, both of which are signs of gum disease.
Floss properly
If you find that brushing alone is not sufficient to protect your gums, the next best thing to do is to floss. Not many people realize that flossing is just as important as brushing, perhaps even more so. The best way to floss for people with periodontal disease is to use a “water flosser,” also called a “water pick.” Water flossing is an advanced method of gum massage that is gentler than normal flossing, and far more effective. Never twist the floss or push too vigorously: gently roll it back and forth along the gum line.
Find a great dentist
One of the most profoundly helpful things you can do for your gums is to find a great periodontist. A periodontist is a dentist specializing in gum disease. If you experience gum bleeding while flossing or brushing, or if your gums bleed while you eat, you have gum disease. Find a periodontal disease as soon as possible, and insist that he or she follow the protocols recommended by the American Academy of Periodontology.
Summary
Gum disease is largely preventable through the daily use of a soft-bristled toothbrush and dental floss. It’s important to visit your dentist regularly, as they can assess your gum health and recommend any necessary treatments. If you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. A periodontist can help you manage your disease and prevent it from progressing.
