2015-Take The Challenge

The time is finally here for you to celebrate 2015. And don’t forget that New Year’s Resolution. How many times have you said you’re going to set the goal for a healthy new you? This year take the healthy gum challenge instead. Set the goal that you are going to improve your oral health.

You can do this in multiple ways. First, brush twice a day. Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of the teeth. It keeps your pearly whites, white and keeps your enamel strong and in top shape.

Agree to floss once a day.  Find the type of floss that feels right, tastes good and is going to motivate you to keep flossing. If this is a new practice for you, set an alarm to remind you and remember it takes twenty-one days to make a habit routine.   Flossing is critical to oral health because it removes plaque below the gum line and doesn’t allow food to stick and stay between the teeth.

Visit your dentist routinely at the recommended intervals that are specific to you. While you may think that visiting the dentist twice a year is sufficient, it may not be enough to keep your smile at its peek. Your dentist can also complete an oral exam that will help catch any abnormalities early on.

Increase the greens you eat. “Green vegetables,” according to Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice, “not only improve your overall health but they also improve the health of your smile because they have water in them that helps wash away bacteria from your teeth.

Why are my gums bleeding and should I be concerned?

“I often am asked, as I imagine other dental professionals are, why are my gums bleeding?” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal and Implant Practice in California. “Much of the time it means gum disease.”

Most of us are very focused on reducing our risk of tooth decay and work to prevent cavities, but an equally important focus should be on the health of our gum tissue. “Gum tissue health plays a very important role in the overall health of a person,” adds Dr. Rice.

So what can be done to action and reduce the damage and discomfort that comes with swollen and bleeding gums?

1.     See your dentist to be evaluated for gum disease.

2.     Brush your teeth at least twice each day.

3.     Floss your teeth daily.

4.     Eat a well balanced diet.

5.     Reduce your stress.

6.     Drink plenty of water

7.     Discontinue the use of tobacco products.

Caught early, gum disease can be effectively controlled, all of which leads to a healthy and happy smile.