February is Gum Disease Awareness Month, a month intended to spread awareness of both the symptoms and causes of gum disease as well as the steps you can take to keep your gums healthy, strong and issue-free.
Gums (or gingiva, as they’re more formally known) are a key part of your overall oral health. Your gums anchor your teeth tight against your jawbone, covering and protecting the vulnerable roots of your teeth against accident or infection. Healthy gums look firm and pink, whereas gums that are showing signs of gum disease can look red and inflamed, and feel sensitive or painful to the touch. If left untreated, gum problems can progress from mild irritation, known as gingivitis, all the way to advanced gum disease, or periodontitis. Periodontitis can end in tooth loss if not treated and has a significant overall impact on your health.
So, what can you do to prevent gum disease? In honour of Gum Disease Awareness Month, we’ve put together five of the most important tips and tricks to keeping your gums healthy and your smile confident!
A strong foundation is key to healthy gums. Make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day (in the morning and before bed) for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled brush (or a Curaprox toothbrush!). Take the time to clean between your teeth once a day as well – either by using interdental brushes or a water flosser.
What you eat can affect your gum health more than you might expect. Add high-fibre fruits and vegetables to your meals whenever possible – fibrous foods can help dislodge food particles and scrub teeth between brushes. Adding enamel-strengthening dairy products like cheese can also help with your oral health.
On the other hand, try your best to avoid carbonated or sugary drinks, alcohol, sticky candy and starchy foods like white bread or potato chips that can stick on and in-between teeth. And, as always, make sure that you drink plenty of water between meals to help wash away any leftover acids that may, over time, damage your teeth and gums.
If you’re a smoker, you may already know that both smoking and vaping are some of the most damaging things you can do to your gums. Smoking reduces blood flow to your gums, denying them the nutrients they need to stay healthy, while also weakening your immune system (and making it hard to fight off infection) and increasing susceptibility to oral cancers.
It may come as a surprise, but stress can be a significant contributing factor to gum disease. In fact, many studies have shown that chronic anxiety can directly lead to gum deterioration. High stress levels often lead to jaw clenching and tooth grinding, both of which can cause substantial oral health issues over time, as well as weakening our immune system, which can increase the chance of infection and raise the presence of harmful bacteria.
No gum protection plan would be complete without regular visits to see your dentist. We recommend regular six-month checkups and cleanings. Regularly assessing your mouth, teeth and gums, allows us to spot any issues before they progress and we can develop treatment plans to keep you smiling bright for the rest of your life. If it’s been a while since your last visit, that’s no problem – all you need to do to get back on the path to healthier gums is use the orange “Book Online” button to schedule your next visit. We can’t wait to see you, and happy Gum Disease Awareness Month!
Maybe it's time for your and your family's regular checkup and cleaning, you have a toothache or you need to get your treatment plan going - whatever the reason, we're here to help you get your confident smile. Whether you're a new patient or a returning friend, we can't wait to see you at your next appointment at either of our Winnipeg clinics!
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