How To Prevent Sensitive Gums

Some dental problems are not preventable and accidents do happen. Diseases do occur and sometimes they result in dental troubles. Generally, however, you can prevent many of the problems that cause damage to your teeth. Among these is the difficulty of sensitive gums.

What Causes Sensitive Gums?
Your gums may be tender because of various medical reasons. You may have a vitamin C deficiency. You could also smoke too much. These can cause sensitive gums and teeth. Yet, the primary cause of sensitive gums is not medical; it is dental. It is gum disease.

Gum disease features two stages: Gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first stage and is milder form of gum disease. Signs tend to be subtle. If you are in this stage, you may notice such things as:

• Bleeding, reddened and/or swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Sensitive gums
• Plaque

Periodontitis is the second stage. It is a serious form of gum disease. During this stage, the signs or symptoms are more obvious. You may notice:

• Constant bad breath
• The teeth wiggle
• A heavy build-up of plaque and tartar
• Spaces between your gums and teeth
• Teeth may fall out

How to Prevent Sensitive Gums
Preventing sensitive gums is actually easy. If you notice sensitive gums and teeth, arrange a visit with your dentist. After examining and cleaning your teeth and gums, he or she will recommend the following practices:

• Brush your teeth at least twice each day. Be sure to use only a soft-bristled brush and change it every 2 or 3 months. Use only good toothpaste. Read the ingredients and, if you wish to avoid chemical substances, consider switching to all-natural toothpaste such as OraMD.
• Floss ever day. This is best after breakfast and just before bed.
• Rinse your mouth after flossing and brushing. Use only a non-alcohol mouthwash. OraMD doubles as a toothpaste and mouthwash. It lacks the substances that cause dry mouth and, therefore, bacterial growth.
• Eat healthy foods. Make sure your diet contains plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Do not eat lots of sweets and sticky foods such as caramels, oatmeal cookies and even granola bars. These stick to your teeth providing easy food for bacteria.
• Drink plenty of water. Water is good for the digestion and also rinses away food particles.
• Give up smoking.
• If you can, avoid too much stress. Stress affects hormonal levels. Too high hormonal levels, particularly during pregnancy, can result in gum sensitivity.
• Examine your teeth regularly for any signs of dental problems. While you brush, check to see if food is trapped between teeth or under the gum line. See if there are any symptoms of gum disease such as bleeding and sensitive gums, bad breath or loose teeth. Do your teeth look longer and your gums smaller?
• Make an annual appointment with your dentist for a check-up.
• Visit a dental hygienist or your dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning of your teeth.

If you stick to this basic program of good oral hygiene, you should be able to avoid treatment for such things as sensitive gums and teeth, gingivitis and periodontitis.

Conclusion
You are lucky. While some causes of dental problems require serious medical or dental treatment, most do not. Avoiding treatment for sensitive gums and teeth as well as gum disease is easy. A good program of proper oral hygiene is the best and least expensive remedy to what could easily become a serious dental problem.