Gum Problems (cont.)
7 Tips to Prevent Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums
1.
Brush your teeth at least twice each day. Make sure you
follow proper brushing technique. If you're not sure what to do, ask your
dentist or dental hygienist for a quick lesson at your next appointment.
2.
Floss daily. It doesn't take more than a few minutes, but
flossing may be the most important thing you can do to prevent gum problems now
and in the future.
3.
Eat a well-balanced diet. A balanced diet, including plenty
of vitamin C and calcium, may minimize the likelihood of experiencing gum
problems.
4.
Drink plenty of water. Drinking water, especially after
eating, can help wash food off your teeth and make it less likely that bacteria
will form gum-damaging plaque.
5.
Say no to tobacco. If you smoke cigarettes or use other
tobacco products, try to quit.
6.
Be cautious about extremely hot or cold foods and
beverages. When you're experiencing gum problems, you may find you're more
comfortable consuming lukewarm or cool foods and beverages.
7.
Relax. Being stressed out raises levels of the stress
hormone cortisol, increasing the likelihood of inflammation throughout your
body, including in your gums.
WebMD Medical Reference
Sources:
American Academy of Periodontology: "Gum Disease: What You Need to
Know."
FDA: "Fighting gum disease: How to keep your teeth."
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, "Periodontal
(gum) disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments."
CDC: "Oral Health: Preventing cavities, gum disease and tooth
loss."
University of Maryland Medical Center: "Oral Health: Brushing and
toothpaste."
American Dental Association: "Common mouth sores."
American Cancer Society: "What about sore mouth, gum and throat
problems?"
Reviewed by Matthew Hoffman, MD, on July 10, 2008
© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
Last Editorial Review: 8/12/2008
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