Follow these strategies to improve your oral care and lifestyle to support healthy gums.
While we often put so much of the focus on keeping our teeth healthy, we often forget that we also have to do our part to keep gums healthy, too. Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, affects millions of American adults and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Dedicated to providing quality family dentistry to the Putnam, CT, area, our dentists Dr. Alaa Ahmed and Dr. Islam Dehis, want you and your family to take these steps to boost your gum health.
Floss Every Day
Flossing, just like brushing, should be a daily habit. After all, flossing is the only way to effectively remove plaque, trapped food and bacteria from the sides of the teeth and certain areas of the gums. In fact, if you don’t floss your teeth you are effectively leaving about one-third of your smile untouched. Flossing is the easiest and most effective tool that everyone has to remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth and along the gum line. Practicing this habit daily can greatly reduce your risk of gum disease.
Limit Sugar
We know that the occasional sweet treat isn’t going to suddenly cause gum disease or decay; however, if you consume a lot of sugar regularly then you may find yourself dealing with an increase in cavities and red, inflamed gums. This is because consuming sugar increases the number of bad bacteria in your mouth, which over time can lead to gum disease. Nutrition greatly affects your oral health so it’s important that you are eating foods that provide your gums with the nutrients they need.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is one habit that can cause serious problems for both your oral and systemic health. Since smoking suppresses the immune system, it makes it easier for bacteria to thrive along and under the gums. Smokers are also more likely to deal with more severe forms of gum disease, which can also cause tooth loss. When you’re ready, our family dentistry team here in Putnam, CT, can provide you with advice on how to ditch this habit for good.
Due to the Corona Virus Pandemic, we are limiting our schedule to serve patients dealing with more urgent or pressing dental matters. We will go back to providing the very best family dentistry that you’ve come to know and trust here in Putnam, CT, as soon as the pandemic is over. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to give Putnam Family Dental a call at (860) 928-5334.