When it comes to caring for your gums, brushing and flossing are king. Regular oral hygiene helps to dramatically reduce your risk for oral infection. Even so, some people are predisposed to suffering from gum disease. Talk to a local dentist (such as one from James Tritton DDS PC) about the best way to tweak your oral hygiene routine to support your oral health. You can also take simple steps to help boost your gum health as well. There are things as simple as limiting your intake of sugary foods and making dietary modifications to support your oral health. Here are three ways to care for your gums beyond flossing.
Eat more citrus fruits.
What you eat affects your oral health. In some cases, it can also boost it, particularly when it comes to your gums. A study showed that those with a higher concentration of vitamin C in their bloodstream were less likely to suffer from the gum disease periodontitis. Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in citrus fruits such as oranges, clementines, and mangoes. You can also get a good boost of vitamin C by drinking orange juice; just be sure to check the sugar content first. If citrus fruits are not to your taste, you can also find vitamin C in vegetables such as red bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Replace a cup of coffee with green tea.
The American Academy of Periodontology has linked green tea to boosted gum health. A study revealed that green tea drinkers were less likely to display symptoms of ginigivitis, one of the most common forms of gum disease. They reported less bleeding of gum tissue upon probing and decreased inflammation of gum tissue. Catechin, an antioxidant in green tea, may be responsible for decreasing symptoms linked to gum disease. This antioxidant is credited with decreasing inflammation throughout the body.
Supplement flossing with oral irrigation.
Flossing between your teeth and gums helps to give your mouth a feeling of freshness. Some people find it hard to floss and get into all of the tight spaces between teeth. While flossing should not be replaced, oral irrigation can also help to remove stuck food particles. Oral irrigation consists of using a water pick to direct a stream of water from the tap into the mouth. Aim the stream at your gums and teeth to help remove food particles and to rinse your teeth. Oral irrigation is gentle and easy to execute.
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