TEN EASY STEPS FOR HEALTHY GUMS

I wanted to touch on this subject because I get asked about gums A LOT!  So many people are fanatics about caring for their teeth and forget about their gums.  And don't get me wrong, properly caring for your teeth is vital for your overall health.  But did you know gum health is just as important?  Gum issues can very painful and can lead to other health risks or possibly the loss of one tooth or multiple teeth.  Here are ten easy ways to keep your gums their healthiest:

1. Brush twice a day for two minutes at a 45-degree angle.  Brush gently in a circular motion.
2. Floss daily.  No excuses!  This not only removes food left in your teeth but also removes unwanted plaque.  AND daily flossing also wards off gum disease, even if your gums bleed when you floss.
3. Use alcohol-free mouthwash.  This will prevent your mouth from getting too dry.  And remember, a high saliva level fights tooth decay and overall gum health.
4. Eat right.  Balanced nutrition is great for your overall health, and, most importantly, keeps you away from sugary foods and drinks that cause tooth decay.
5. Take in more vitamin C.  Eating vegetables and fruits daily provides a good source of vitamin C.  When our bodies are low in this vital nutrient, it can cause our gums to bleed and also sabotages our body's ability to perform maintenance and repairs in our system.  Vitamin C is abundant in sweet potatoes, red peppers, oranges and strawberries.
6. Get enough calcium daily.  Rich sources are milk, yogurt and cheese.  Calcium protects your gums from disease as it strengthens your teeth and jaw bone.
7.  Drink more water.  Enough water encourages good saliva levels.  Water also rinses away pieces of food, decreasing chances of tooth decay.
8. Stop using tobacco.  This might be the single most important way to avoid gum disease. Tobacco causes additional calculus to form on your teeth.  Smokeless products cause your gums to recede, affecting your jaw bone, leading to tooth loss.
9. Manage your stress!  Here's another important way to keep your overall health the best it can be.  Stress leads to increased cortisol release, leading to overall swelling and inflammation all over your body, even in your gums.
10. Here's another biggie!  See your dental team twice a year for exams and cleanings.  Gum issues can be caught early and we can help you with preventive care.