Merion Village Dental Blog

Your smile is a deep part of your confidence. Why not keep your oral health at top priority? One common oral condition many people face is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.
The good news is that you can take action to protect your gums and fight gum disease with three simple and often overlooked health tips. You don’t have to be a dental expert to keep gum disease at bay! Incorporate these tips into your daily routine to keep healthy gums and stop gum disease before it starts!

Who said getting your family to engage in their dental health has to be a struggle? Getting your family to take care of themselves will never be difficult as long as they are motivated by 2 factors. The first motivator should be results; ensure that your loved ones understand the health risks that come with poor oral hygiene. The second motivator is fun; don’t make taking care of your teeth seem like a chore, make it a party that the whole family is invited to!

Gum Disease Treatment Starts With You!

Heal Your Gums With A Balanced Diet

Believe it or not, the food you eat directly affects the health of your gums. A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods gives your gums the strength they need to combat gum disease. Here are some tasty and gum-friendly ingredients to add to your meals:

Omega-3 Rich Foods: Treat yourself to fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts. These omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that lower gum inflammation.

Antioxidants: Berries, spinach, and green tea are packed with antioxidants that fight off harmful oxidative stress in your gums, which can contribute to gum disease.

With gum-loving foods in your diet, you’re giving your gums a fighting chance against gum disease!

Hydration: Your Gum’s Best Friend

Drinking enough water is essential for overall health but also a powerful way to support your gum health. Here’s how staying hydrated benefits your gums:

Saliva Boost: Water stimulates saliva production, which is your gums’ natural defense mechanism against bacteria. Saliva helps neutralize acids and washes away food particles that can lead to gum disease.

Eliminate Dry Mouth: Chronic dry mouth can increase the risk of gum disease because the antibacterial properties of saliva are compromised. Sip on water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and combat dryness.

Flush Toxins Out: Water helps flush out toxins and waste products from your mouth, reducing the overall inflammatory load and benefiting your gum health.

By making hydration a priority, you’re giving your gums the support they need to stay healthy and fight off gum disease.

Reduce Stress, Reduce Periodontal Disease

You won’t notice it at first, but the stress in your life impacts your gum health negatively. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off sickness and  gum infections. Additionally, stress can lead to oral habits like teeth grinding or clenching, which can worsen gum problems. Here’s how you can reduce stress and keep your gums happy:

Get Moving: Engaging in regular exercise releases feel-good endorphins, improves your mood, and helps reduce stress levels.

Build New Relaxing Habits: Take time for relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. These activities can effectively lower stress and promote a sense of calm.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a therapist to discuss your stressors. Talking it out can provide valuable emotional support and help alleviate anxiety.

By managing stress, you’re not only benefiting your overall wellbeing but also protecting the health of your gums.

Get Your Gum Disease Assessment!

You don’t have to be a dental expert to keep your gums healthy and fight gum disease. Follow these tips and receive a gum disease assessment in your next general appointment with us. With regular checkups, Merion Village Dental can keep your smile bright and disease-free for years to come!