Learn how to take care of your gums with Dr. John's yums!

In a country where nearly 65 million Americans of all ages suffer from gum disease of some form, taking care of your gums is important. National Gum Care Month serves to bring awareness to this unseen epidemic and acts as a reminder to make your oral health a priority, emphasizing the importance of healthy gums.

Why Does It Matter?

Gums are made of soft skin that covers the bones of your mouth and teeth. This tissue forms a tight seal around your teeth which keeps them in place and keeps bacteria out. While cleanliness and the color of teeth often take precedence in oral care, gum health tends to be neglected. 

When gums are neglected over time, the soft tissue barrier that seals your teeth becomes infected and allows more bacteria to impact the deeper tissue within. This destroys the bone that supports your teeth and ultimately leads to tooth loss. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two forms of gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form that causes pain and bleeding. When left untreated, it develops into its more dangerous form—periodontitis. Effective gingivitis treatment is crucial as periodontal disease not only affects the health of your mouth, but has been linked to a whole slew of other serious health conditions like digestive problems, cardiac problems, birth complications, and diabetes. 

Signs to Watch For

The pain gum disease causes is usually apparent when the disease is already severe. Inspecting gums regularly helps with early detection and action to reverse the beginning stages of gum disease and treat moderate periodontitis as soon as possible. By acknowledging the warning signs of gum disease, you're already taking steps to improve the health of your gums. 

Here are some signs to watch for: 

• Red, puffy, swollen, or tender gums
• Receding gums
• Bleeding caused by brushing or flossing, indicating possible gum inflammation
• Gaps or pockets at the gum line that have separated from your teeth
• Uncomfortable bite or changes in how your teeth fit together
• A persistent bad taste in the mouth 
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth

If you notice any of these signs, don't wait to make an appointment with your dentist.

Tips for Oral Care

1. Floss. Floss. Floss. Even though your dentist has probably told you a million times, maintaining a daily flossing habit is the most important thing you can do to improve gum health. Brushing your teeth is also vital for oral care, but brushing won't reach all the food particles. These tiny bacteria particles around your gum line or between teeth can only be reached with flossing. Try putting this to practice this month! 
2. Brush your teeth twice daily. This allows for the entire mouth to get a cleanse and rids the mouth of disease-carrying bacteria. Brushing keeps teeth healthy and strong, but be gentle because damage can be done if you're too vigorous. 
3. Don't forget to visit your dentist. Attending appointments every six months to ensure a thorough exam is done of your mouth every year is crucial. Dentists have the tools to see what we can't. By taking x-rays of your teeth, signs of disease and bone loss can be found that wouldn't otherwise be seen with the naked eye. 

A Healthy Diet

The good news with gum disease is that it can be prevented not just through personal hygiene, but with a good diet and proper oral hygiene teeth practices. Choosing the right foods doesn’t just affect your general health, but your oral health too. When you consume too much sugar, there’s an increased risk of developing tooth decay. When plaque comes into contact with the sugar that is in your mouth, the acid attacks your teeth and makes it hard for the tissue inside to resist infection. 

Keeping teeth healthy is where Dr. John’s Healthy Sweets excel. We believe that preventive health and caring for your teeth shouldn’t mean you have to give up sweets! Our treats are made with all-natural ingredients that are filled with important nutrients and are tooth-friendly. To replace sugar, we use erythritol and xylitol—two natural, plant-based sweeteners that have been proven to inhibit the growth of bacteria that promote tooth decay. Enjoy our sugar free hard candy and healthy sweet snacks as a delightful way to maintain your oral health. 

Whether it's our Fresh Breath Pops with patented zinc crystals that are clinically proven to fight bad breath or our Oral Boost Mints that have 500 million probiotic cultures per serving to support healthy teeth and gums, Dr. John's Oral Health line is dedicated to keeping your mouth happy and healthy. 

By caring for your gums now, you're creating a smile that lasts.