Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, and periodontal disease directly affects long-term oral health. If you suspect that you’re developing gum disease, you need to take steps to reduce plaque buildup, prevent gum recession, and ensure your dental health.
A range of health and biological factors are involved in gum health, but several lifestyle choices can also help to prevent gum disease. If you want healthy teeth and healthy gums, avoiding the factors listed here is a great start.
Healthy gums don’t happen by accident. Your dental hygienist is probably the best person to talk to if you really want to preserve your gum health. But if you’re worried about gum problems and want to take steps to improve your gum health today, there are a few things you can do.
It shouldn’t come as a big surprise that proper brushing and flossing is one of the most effective ways to avoid periodontal disease and maintain your oral health. When brushing, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and don’t forget to floss at least once per day.
In recent studies, coconut oil was shown to reduce gum inflammation. However, it’s important to know that these studies had no control group, so take the results achieved with a grain of salt.
Researchers have also started studying the impact of green tea on moderate periodontitis, with some believing that green tea promotes gum health by interfering with the body’s inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria.
A third study has shown that aloe vera has had a positive effect on gum inflammation, especially when utilized in specially formulated mouthwashes and scaling treatments. The study concluded that aloe vera was best suited as a secondary therapy in periodontal treatment.
If you’re concerned about receding gums, bad breath, bone loss or further complications related to gum disease, West Wind Dental in Portage, MI is here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more ways to ensure healthy gums from our experienced dental professionals.
Dr. Hamilton is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association (ADA), the Michigan Dental Association (MDA), the Kalamazoo Valley District Dental Society (KVDDS), the American Academy of Implant dentistry (AAID), the International Academy of Facial Aesthetics (IAFA) and also attends courses with the Pikos Institute in Northwest Florida. He is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICIO), has achieved fellowship status in the International Dental Implant Association (IDIA) and in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), has graduated from and is an alumnus of the Kois Center program in Seattle, and is on the faculty of the Global Dental Implant Academy (GDIA).
The little spare time left over is spent Steelhead and Salmon fishing and the occasional round of golf.