Did you know that the effect of periodontal disease isn’t just confined in the mouth?

Gum disease is associated with an increased risk of serious chronic conditions like diabetes, respiratory disease, dementia, and cardiovascular disease. Researchers believed that this has something to do with the inflammation that the bacteria caused.

What do healthy gums look like?

Healthy gums are firm, pink, and do not bleed. Diseased gums are dark red, swollen, tender, and/or bleeding. In many cases, it is also accompanied by bad breath or bad taste in the mouth and discomfort when chewing.

How to prevent gum disease?

You can improve your overall health by starting to take care of your gums. Below are some of the effective ways to prevent gum disease:

• Brush and floss

When you brush your teeth, make sure you also brush your gums using a gentle, circular motion.

Don’t forget to floss between your teeth once a day. If you have bridges or implants, you may want to use interdental brushes.

• Use a therapeutic mouthwash

A therapeutic mouthwash can help prevent or reduce the mild symptoms of gum disease.

• Don’t smoke

Smoking doesn’t do any good for your health especially if we talk about oral health. People who smoke to almost half of a pack a day is three times more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers.

• Eat a healthy diet

A diet rich in whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fatty fish can help prevent gum disease. These foods can help suppress inflammation.

• See your dentist regularly

When gum disease is detected and treated in its early stages, you can keep it from spreading and causing more serious and permanent damage to your teeth. It is recommended to see a dentist every 6 months.

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/why-your-gums-are-so-important-to-your-health

https://benefitsbridge.unitedconcordia.com/healthy-gums-important-overall-wellness/

When should I take my child to the dentist? How soon can I start brushing my child’s teeth?

As a parent, we have these never-ending concerns for our child especially when it comes to their health.

We used to associate dental visits to tooth extractions. Now, times have changed and we come to realize that a visit to a dentist is not just for tooth extractions; it is a must-do for preventing tooth and gum disease.

Cavities are very common among kids. But even that is highly preventable with the following good dental habits:

• Brushing and flossing regularly

Dental care should begin even your child starts teething. Running a clean,  damp washcloth over the gums can help clear away harmful bacteria.

Once your baby starts getting teeth, start brushing with an infant toothbrush. You can begin flossing once your baby’s teeth touch.

When your child reaches 3, you can use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Always supervise your child while brushing especially when they’re younger than 8 as they have the tendency to swallow the toothpaste.

• Practicing good feeding habits

Putting a baby to sleep with a bottle is as harmful as giving him/her sweet food and drinks. The sugar from the juice or milk can remain on the teeth for hours, eating away the enamel.

• Scheduling regular dental visits

You should start seeing a dentist when your child reaches 1. While you may not be able to do a complete assessment by this stage, the visit can help your child get used to the dental office.

A healthy child is a happy child. Start taking care of your child’s teeth today. If he/she has not seen a dentist yet, it’s time to schedule him/her an appointment.

References:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/healthy.html

https://medlineplus.gov/childdentalhealth.html