2 Things That Are Good For Both Your Teeth And Your Gums
Your gums are probably rarely considered until a problem with arises. Still, gum care is not overly difficult. Proper oral hygiene that promotes healthy teeth is also beneficial to the gums. Here are a few things that you may think are only good for teeth that are actually protecting the health of your gums too:
Drinking and Rinsing with Water Throughout the Day
You may already sip water periodically throughout the day to remain hydrated. This practice helps keep your body properly supplied with fluids to prevent oral issues that affect the teeth, such as dry mouth.
Dry mouth occurs when there is insufficient moisture in the mouth, and the reduction in fluids promotes the growth of bacteria. Like tooth decay, gum inflammation is largely associated with bacterial acids, so an increase in bacterial numbers can be a problem for your gums.
Bacterial acid is inflammatory to the gum tissue because of the corrosiveness of the fluid. It is formed as a byproduct when oral bacteria consume leftover food in your oral cavity. As the acid eats away at the tooth enamel, it also irritates the gingival tissues, promoting gum disease.
In addition to re-hydrating your mouth, water helps dilute bacterial acid to limit its damaging effects. If you choose to rinse with the clear liquid after meals, it can help remove particles of food that mix with the microbes in your mouth to form plaque.
Since plaque can coat the teeth and gums, it brings bacteria and the damaging acid in close proximity to the sensitive gum tissue, where it can cause harm before being diluted by water or saliva.
Having Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned
No one likes the look of yellow tartar on the teeth. The material is actually hardened or calcified plaque. If plaque is left on the teeth too long, it hardens into tartar.
Tartar cannot be removed through routine brushing and requires a professional dental cleaning to eliminate it from the teeth. It often rests along the gum line, and due to its porous consistency, can harbor bacterial and unhardened plaque. Thus, it can hold bacteria adjacent to the gums for direct contact with the release of the bacterial acids.
Regular removal of tartar can help promote healthier gums. Your dentist will likely recommend a dental cleaning at least every six months to promote oral health.
To learn more ways to care for your gums, schedule a consultation with a dentist like The Family Dentist in your area.
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