Most people spend a lot of time and effort in brushing and
flossing their teeth regularly to make sure that their pearly whites are
always clean and to ensure their health and good condition. These good
oral habits can indeed help maintain and improve the quality and health
of your teeth, but how about your gums?
Many people tend to forget that their gums are as important as their teeth. And you should practice various oral care habits that can ensure the health and good quality of your gums as well.
What are some tips you should follow to keep your gums healthy? Below are some of these:
Rinse with antiseptic and alcohol-free mouthwash. After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. Using antibacterial and/or anti-plaque mouthwash helps to flush away any bacteria that is loose and reduces any harmful bacteria that could eventually cause plaque, which can form and lead to gum disease. Select a mouthwash that is alcohol free since alcohol can dry out your mouth and make it hard for the bacteria to be flushed away.
Stop smoking. Tobacco use is one of the key factors that cause the development and progression of periodontal disease. Majority of individuals that have recurrent periodontal disease are smokers. Smoking is also associated with complications after oral surgery. As such, if you are a smoker, kick this unhealthy and destructive habit as early as possible.
Limit your alcohol intake. Studies show that alcohol can irritate your gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. Alcohol can also contribute to poor healing after surgery and can break your oral hygiene routine. Various researchers have also found out that heavy drinkers often suffer from tooth decay as a result of the increased exposure to sugars and acids that are often found in alcoholic drinks. Drinking wine occasionally can be good for your health. But as always, drink in moderation.
Increase your consumption of dairy products. Milk, and other dairy foods such as cheese and yogurt, are packed with bone-fortifying calcium and with the protein casein - a natural substance that research shows can reduce acid levels in the mouth. Drinking milk can also neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria and hence, help ensure periodontal health.
Eat raw onion. Lastly, raw onion is a potent bacteria-fighting food. Onions have an organic antimicrobial ingredient that can kill bacteria in the mouth. According to one study, raw onion also completely wipes out four types of bacteria strains that can lead to gum disease and cavities. As such, dice or cut raw onion into slivers and toss the strips in your salad, on your sandwich, or in soups and stews. To get rid of bad breath, rinse with mouthwash or chew on sugarless gum after consuming some raw onions.
Many people tend to forget that their gums are as important as their teeth. And you should practice various oral care habits that can ensure the health and good quality of your gums as well.
What are some tips you should follow to keep your gums healthy? Below are some of these:
Rinse with antiseptic and alcohol-free mouthwash. After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. Using antibacterial and/or anti-plaque mouthwash helps to flush away any bacteria that is loose and reduces any harmful bacteria that could eventually cause plaque, which can form and lead to gum disease. Select a mouthwash that is alcohol free since alcohol can dry out your mouth and make it hard for the bacteria to be flushed away.
Stop smoking. Tobacco use is one of the key factors that cause the development and progression of periodontal disease. Majority of individuals that have recurrent periodontal disease are smokers. Smoking is also associated with complications after oral surgery. As such, if you are a smoker, kick this unhealthy and destructive habit as early as possible.
Limit your alcohol intake. Studies show that alcohol can irritate your gums, tongue, and other oral tissues. Alcohol can also contribute to poor healing after surgery and can break your oral hygiene routine. Various researchers have also found out that heavy drinkers often suffer from tooth decay as a result of the increased exposure to sugars and acids that are often found in alcoholic drinks. Drinking wine occasionally can be good for your health. But as always, drink in moderation.
Increase your consumption of dairy products. Milk, and other dairy foods such as cheese and yogurt, are packed with bone-fortifying calcium and with the protein casein - a natural substance that research shows can reduce acid levels in the mouth. Drinking milk can also neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria and hence, help ensure periodontal health.
Eat raw onion. Lastly, raw onion is a potent bacteria-fighting food. Onions have an organic antimicrobial ingredient that can kill bacteria in the mouth. According to one study, raw onion also completely wipes out four types of bacteria strains that can lead to gum disease and cavities. As such, dice or cut raw onion into slivers and toss the strips in your salad, on your sandwich, or in soups and stews. To get rid of bad breath, rinse with mouthwash or chew on sugarless gum after consuming some raw onions.
