Many people only consider their teeth when they think of oral health, but your gums are equally as important. This is because periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can’t be reversed once it progresses. That means avoiding it is the best way to combat this condition.
Thankfully, it can be prevented with proper oral hygiene. For instance, brushing and flossing twice daily cleans plaque and bacteria that contribute to common oral issues. You can also steer clear of these 3 things known to irritate your connective tissues!
Concern #1: Smoking Cigarettes
Cigarettes, vapes, and other tobacco products contain nicotine, the addictive chemical that keeps people coming back. Unfortunately, this ingredient is also a vasoconstrictor that limits your blood oxygen levels and flow. Your body is unable to deliver essential nutrients to your teeth and gums as a result, decreasing your oral health and increasing your risk of developing dental concerns.
At the same time, it suppresses your immune system so your body can’t deliver infection-fighting cells to your mouth to counter the unhealthy germs that cause gum disease. Quitting this habit is a great way to prevent numerous issues, including cavities, periodontal problems, and even oral cancer.
Concern #2: Brushing Aggressively
Although regularly removing plaque and bacteria is essential to your twice-daily at-home hygiene routine, there can be too much of a good thing. For instance, if you press too hard on your toothbrush or scrub your gums aggressively, they can become irritated and more prone to infection. They might also recede away from your enamel to try to escape your abrasive maneuvering with the bristles.
To avoid this, use gentle pressure to scrub your enamel. It might help to try holding your toothbrush with only two or three fingers and using short, precise, circular strokes to clean the surfaces of your teeth and along your gumline.
Concern #3: Eating Hard or Crunchy Foods
Have you ever had a bowl of Captain Crunch only to realize afterward that the roof of your mouth feels tender? Many popular foods, like crackers, chips, and cereal, have a rough and crunchy texture that can create cuts on the tender tissues inside your mouth, including your gums.
When you’re craving something crispy to munch on, why not try a healthier option, like raw carrots or celery? These have a satisfying snap when you bite into them, but are less likely to leave lacerations behind.
If your gums feel sore or sensitive for several days and don’t subside or worsens, it’s time to contact your dentist to schedule an exam!
Meet the Author
Dr. Hal Lippard, affectionately referred to as “Dr.Hal”, is passionate about helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, and is committed to continuing education so you always receive the most current treatment options. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. Whether you need basic preventive services or a more complex procedure, he is happy to help! You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (434) 293-9311.