Dental health is impossible without gum health, and our gums are subject to many aggressive influences. Unfortunately, most people brush their teeth in a hurry in the morning, getting ready for work, and in the evening they don’t have enough strength - they want to sleep. In general, there is no time to take care of gums in such conditions, and this becomes the cause of serious dental problems, such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, for the treatment of which time has already been spent much more. So it’s time to talk about what gums need for their health and what folk and pharmacy remedies are there to treat them.
The main condition for health is nutrition
Meanwhile, at home, you can take care of your gums, strengthening and maintaining their health, and you need to start with nutrition. If the food is varied and of high quality, the gums and teeth will remain healthy for many years: you just need to include in your diet more fresh vegetables and fruits, natural protein foods - meat, fish, etc., foods rich in minerals and fiber.
Much has been written about good nutrition, but there are some foods that are especially good for gum health. These are all types of citrus fruits: their use allows you to constantly supply the gums with vitamin C and other vitamins, improves the condition of the mucous membranes of the mouth and strengthens the blood vessels - it’s no secret that for many people the gums often bleed during brushing.
Not everyone likes onions and garlic, because of the smell, but they contain a lot of useful ingredients, including zinc, a mineral that has a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.
For the health of the gums, fresh greens are needed at any time of the year, so in winter it is worth planting dill, parsley, celery, etc. on the windowsill.
Dairy products contain not only calcium for teeth, but also vitamin K - it also helps to reduce bleeding gums, strengthening the walls of blood vessels. Cheese also strengthens teeth and gums - this is the best source of calcium, but do not eat sharp or seasoned cheeses - soft and non-sharp varieties will be more useful.
Nuts are known for their nutritional value, and among the nutrients they are rich in is ubiquinone, known as coenzyme Q10 - it prevents gum inflammation and the formation of tartar.
Both fish and seafood contain a lot of phosphorus - with its shortage, periodontal disease often develops, so they should always be present in the diet.
Red wine is very good for gum health - of course, it should be drunk in reasonable quantities. The antioxidants and tannins contained in it prevent the occurrence of inflammation and have a healing effect.
Gum Health Massage
If you finish your daily brushing with a gum massage, you can avoid many diseases and problems. It is simple, and no expenses are required, and the condition of the teeth and gums improves: stagnation disappears, blood circulation, lymph flow and metabolic processes in tissues normalize.
Another drug for gum health - Asepta, helps get rid of bleeding and has a therapeutic and prophylactic anti-inflammatory effect. This gel is recommended to be applied in the same way, in courses, but 4 times a year.
Firming Toothpastes
Many toothpastes also help strengthen mucous membranes, heal injuries and relieve inflammation: with medicinal herbs, amino acids, mineral salts, enzymes and other active components. For example, Splat Professional Active toothpaste: it is black in color, but does not contain any dyes, and perfectly restores and strengthens both gums and teeth.
Another effective paste for gum health is Taiga Balm, which has anti-inflammatory, bactericidal and regenerative effects, and eliminates bleeding: it may contain cedar oil, sage, horsetail extract, fluorides, etc. Such pastes can be used constantly, but it is better to alternate their use through every 2-3 months.
Alternative treatment and gum strengthening
Folk ways to strengthen gums and teeth are often no less effective than those offered by official medicine, and you can use them at any time.
Sea salt for gum health
A great way is to rinse with sea salt. A solution of sea salt - 1 tsp 200 ml of warm water - can even relieve severe inflammation, prevents bacteria from multiplying and prevents plaque formation: if you rinse your mouth with this solution after eating, your gums will harden and stop bleeding. If “at hand” there was no sea salt (it is not difficult to buy it in a pharmacy), you can use the usual table salt.
Propolis Gum Treatment
Rinsing the gums with a propolis solution also has a healing and protective effect. You can use the propolis pharmacy tincture - 1 tsp. in a glass of cooled boiled water, rinse in the morning and evening. For prevention, it is enough to carry out 3-4 courses a year, for 2-3 weeks.
Oak Bark for Gum Health
Among the infusions and decoctions of medicinal plants, there are many that help even in advanced cases, when the gums are sick and the teeth are loose. For example, a decoction of oak bark has an excellent therapeutic effect for gums. To prepare it, chopped oak bark (3 tablespoons) is poured into 400 ml of water and boiled over low heat for 25-30 minutes, the broth is filtered and rinsed 3-4 times a day - the damaged gum tissue is restored, and the loose teeth “stand on your place".
Other decoctions for gum health. Sage and mint herb (1 tbsp each) is poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for 20 minutes. Rinse your mouth the same way as in the previous recipe. The broth improves blood circulation in the gums, strengthens them and refreshes the oral cavity.
The protective properties of chamomile
Dry chamomile flowers (2 tablespoons) are poured with boiling water (200 ml) in a thermos and insisted for several hours, rinse your mouth after each meal. Chamomile infusion is very useful for gum health, it has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, heals damage and reduces the sensitivity of gums to adverse effects. You can conduct such courses every 2-3 months, for 2-3 weeks.
1. Brush your teeth properly
Proper brushing is the key to oral and gum health. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people follow these guidelines:
- Brush your teeth with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day.
- The toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months or earlier if the bristles begin to burst.
- To brush your teeth at an angle of 45 degrees to the gums.
- Move the toothbrush with short strokes.
- Press carefully.
- Brush the internal surfaces of the front teeth by turning the brush vertically and performing a few short movements along each tooth.
3. Use dental floss daily
Many people neglect daily flossing, but ADA recognizes this habit as an important part of oral care.
Dental floss removes food debris and plaque between teeth and gums. If food and plaque remain in these places, this can lead to the formation of tartar, which is a solid accumulation of bacteria that only a dentist can remove. Tartar can lead to gum disease.
4. Rinse your mouth carefully.
Many people wash their mouth after brushing their teeth. However, oral hygiene practices should complement the effectiveness of fluoride products such as toothpaste.
When a person washes his mouth with water after brushing his teeth with fluoride toothpaste, he flushes out fluoride.
Conversely, when a person rinses his mouth after eating, he can wash away the remnants of food and bacteria, which can lead to plaque and tartar.
5. Use mouthwash
According to the ADA, there are two types of mouthwashes: therapeutic and cosmetic. Both options are available without a counter.
A therapeutic mouthwash can help:
- gum disease prevention
- reduce the rate at which tartar accumulates.
- reduce the amount of plaque on the teeth.
- remove food particles from the oral cavity
However, people should not use mouthwash instead of brushing their teeth and flossing.
A person should look for an ADA seal. This seal indicates that the manufacturer has demonstrated sufficient evidence to ensure product safety and effectiveness.
ADA states that children under the age of 6 should not use mouthwash.
6. Have regular dental checkups.
Dental examinations usually include professional cleaning of the oral cavity. Professional brushing is the only way to remove tartar from your teeth. Professional brushing can also help remove plaque that a person might miss when brushing.
A regular visit to the dentist reveals early signs of gum disease and gingivitis, a disease in which the gums become inflamed. Early detection can help prevent more serious problems.
7. Stop smoking
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking makes a person more susceptible to gum disease because it weakens the immune system.
The CDC recommends quitting smoking immediately to reduce the risk of developing periodontitis. The use of other tobacco products can also increase a person’s risk.
Nutrition tips
What a person eats can directly affect the health of his teeth and gums. Various foods can positively or negatively affect gum health.
Some of the foods that people should include in their diets include:
- high fiber fruits and vegetables, as they can help cleanse your mouth.
- black and green teas that help reduce bacteria.
- dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt, as they increase saliva production.
- fluorine-containing foods, including water and some types of poultry and seafood.
- sugarless gum, as chewing it will increase saliva production.
It is best to avoid the following foods and drinks:
- carbonated soft drinks containing phosphoric and citric acids, as well as sugar.
- alcohol, as it can dry out in the mouth.
- gummy sweets and sweets that stay in your mouth for a while.
- starchy foods that can get stuck in your teeth.
Signs and symptoms of unhealthy gums
People should be aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease. Most gum disease starts with mild symptoms, but can progress over time.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. People with gingivitis may have red, swollen gums that bleed easily. They may also have chronic bad breath.
Most people with gingivitis do not experience pain or loose teeth. A person can treat and treat gingivitis, while maintaining oral hygiene and providing dental care.
Over time, untreated gingivitis can lead to the development of periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when plaque and tartar spread below the gums.
Bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and cause an inflammatory reaction, causing destruction of the tissues and bones that support the teeth.
As periodontitis progresses, this damage worsens, leading to deeper pockets of the space between the teeth and connective tissues.
Periodontitis does not always cause symptoms first. However, people may notice the following symptoms as the disease progresses:
- backing gums that can make teeth longer.
- loose teeth
- pus between the teeth or in the gums.
- chronic breath
- bleeding gums
- red, puffy gums.
Avoid Risk Factors
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of gum disease. Some of them, such as aging, a person cannot control or avoid.
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, some of the most common risk factors for developing periodontitis are as follows:
- poor nutrition and obesity
- gnashing of teeth or clenching of teeth
- stress
- smoking and tobacco use
- age, with older people more likely to develop gum disease
- genetics
- use of certain medications, such as antidepressants, oral contraceptives, and certain medications to treat the heart.
Some diseases that affect the body’s inflammatory system can also increase your risk of gum disease. These diseases include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
When to visit the dentist
A person should visit a dentist if he has bleeding or gum pain lasting longer than a week. Swollen and red gums that bleed easily are a symptom of gum disease.
Other signs and symptoms that should be addressed include the following:
- gums that extend from the teeth.
- gums that bleed easily.
- swollen, red gums.
- sensitive teeth
- teeth that feel free in the mouth.
- chewing pain
- dentures no longer fit correctly
Gum disease can lead to tooth loss. However, most people can prevent gum disease by adopting proper oral hygiene practices.
Measures include regular tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and oral care while rinsing. ADA Approved Toothpaste is available for purchase online.
Simple oral care at home and dental examinations can help prevent and reverse gum disease. If a person begins to show signs of gum disease, for example, pain in the gums, which lasts longer than a week, he should consult a dentist.
We selected related products based on product quality and listed the pros and cons of each of them to help you determine which ones work best for you. We work with some companies that sell these products, which means that Healthline UK and our partners can receive part of the income if you make a purchase using the above link (s).
How to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful
Maintaining healthy teeth means following simple personal hygiene rules. They will help preserve the beauty of a smile and avoid diseases of the oral cavity and other organs. Although we are well aware of most of them, there is one secret without which they are not effective.
The secret to healthy teeth and gums is to follow these rules regularly. Approach your health comprehensively and do not ignore minor problems so that they do not turn into major troubles.
10 things to do for your dental health every day:
Brush your teeth regularly. At least twice a day, morning and evening. Teeth should be brushed from the base of the tooth to the edge for about two to three minutes.
Brush your teeth and gums actively, but gently and carefully.so as not to erase the enamel.
Choose the right brush. The brush should be right for your teeth. In most cases, you can do with a brush with medium hardness, but for sensitive teeth and gums it is better to choose high-quality soft bristles.
Rinse your mouth after each meal. Ideally, after some time, you brush your teeth. Immediately after eating, this is undesirable, so as not to damage the enamel.
Use flossing, which will help remove food between teeth in hard to reach places. Often we do not even suspect that she is there. Do this before brushing your teeth and after eating.
After brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with special products and elixirs. Rinses remove plaque from the cheeks and tongue, freshen breath and destroy bacteria in the entire oral cavity.
Properly care for your toothbrush. You need to change the brush once every 2-3 months, but regularly clean it and wash it in hot water. It should be stored dry, as bacteria from your mouth actively multiply on a wet brush. That is why never use someone else's brushes. Children's brushes should be separate from adults.
Use wooden toothpicks carefully. After eating, they help get rid of food debris, but do this carefully. If possible, replace flosses with dental floss. Do not use any metal or sharp objects. You will damage the enamel and the bacteria will penetrate even deeper.
Give your teeth a decent load. This does not mean that you need to chop nuts with your teeth. But regularly eating apples, gnawing carrots, chewing food thoroughly will help improve blood circulation in the gums and get rid of plaque.
Watch out for food. Fluoride and calcium are responsible for the strength of the teeth. They are found in eggs, poultry, sea fish, veal, vegetables, cheese, yogurt and brown bread. По назначению врача можно применять витамины, если этих веществ не хватает в вашем организме.
Не последнюю роль в здоровье зубов играет и регулярное посещение стоматолога. A preventive examination will help to identify tooth problems in time and avoid the costly treatment of advanced diseases.
