Gum Health Day 2022
Happy Gum Health Day! Each year, Gum Health Day is celebrated on May 12th to raise awareness for gum disease, what causes it and how to prevent it.
Did you know that most adults in Ireland have some degree of gum disease? Gum disease is inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth. This inflammation leads to a red, swollen and tender area on the gums. This area often bleeds when the teeth are brushed. Other symptoms of gum disease include bad breath, gum recession and sensitive or loose teeth.
Practising good oral hygiene is the most important action you can take to prevent and treat gum disease. Monica Bulaclac is a Hygienist at Northumberland Dental Care and she has shared 5 tips to maintain good gum health.
#1 Brush twice a day
Keeping a consistent and thorough brushing routine is essential in maintaining healthy gums. It is recommended to brush twice daily for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, especially at night before you go to bed. This makes sure that debris and bacteria, which can lead to gum disease, is washed away regularly.
#2 Floss daily
To help remove food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums, it’s important to floss daily or use an interdental brush. Ideally, you should floss before brushing so that any released particles can be removed from the mouth. If plaque is allowed to build up, it can lead to cavities and gum disease. Brushing alone cannot reach between your teeth, so flossing is very important!
#3 Use a fluoride toothpaste
Using a fluoride toothpaste helps keep teeth strong and prevent dental decay. Be sure to spit out excess toothpaste after brushing but avoid rinsing, so that fluoride remains on your teeth for as long as possible.
#4 Quit smoking
Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. As smoking weakens the immune system, it makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Smoking also makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they have been damaged.
#5 Schedule a dental exam
Regular check-ups allow your dentist to detect conditions such as gum disease early. In addition to a good dental hygiene routine at home, professional cleaning helps to prevent a build-up of plaque bacteria which can cause gum disease.
To book an appointment at Northumberland Dental Care, you can contact us directly on (01) 668 8441 or info@nidm.ie.
