September is National Gum Care Month. Gum Care Month was created to help educate people about gum disease and to understand how to properly take care of your gums. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, In the U.S, about 47.2% of people aged 30 or older have some form of gum disease. Taking care of your gums is not only important for protecting your teeth, but the health of your gums can have an impact on other health conditions you may have. If not maintaining proper care, gingivitis can develop. If gingivitis if left untreated, gingivitis can advance to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.
Having issues with your gums? Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Your gums appear red or swollen in current areas
- Your gums feel tender while brushing
- Your gums bleed easily
- You gums are pulling away from your teeth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to give Matonti Dental a call and schedule your next appointment with us!
How to keep your gums healthy and happy:
Gingivitis can develop quickly; however, it is just as easy to prevent when maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine. We strongly recommend brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. If you can, brush after every meal, ideally wait about 30 minutes after eating. This will allow any enamel that softened from acid during eating to re-harden and not get brushed away. While brushing, do not be too aggressive. Brushing gums too hard can damage them and cause them to bleed. We also recommend seeing your dentist twice a year, this helps diagnose any oral health issues before it becomes a problem. Maintaining a proper diet is very important when it comes to dental and gum care. Consuming food that are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B-12, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. These three nutrients benefit gum health by reducing gum inflammation.