I personally have the worst teeth ever. I have a filling in every single molar and one dental implant, which I got at 23 when an old root canal went bad. During my second pregnancy one of my teeth actually cracked when I was chewing a piece of gum, half it broke off and fell out of my mouth. My gums aren’t much better.
Now you may think I do not take care of my mouth but I do. I go to the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. I brush my teeth 2-3 x a day. I even floss occasionally….okay that is a lie I do not really floss, but neither does my husband and his teeth are perfect, but that is not the point is it?
As a nurse and someone who has battled issues with my teeth my whole life I well versed in the importance of healthy teeth and gums and I am taking steps to improve the health of my gums and teeth because I know that your gums matter. I am also teaching my 6 year old why gums matter!!!
Gum disease affects your teeth by weakening their support which can result in the loss of adult teeth. If losing teeth isn’t enough of a reason to take care of your gums knowing that gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and even pancreatic cancer, should be. “Recent studies have demonstrated a relationship between periodontal disease and infectious endocarditis, coronary artery disease and stroke” (#1). Studies have found that people suffering from gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from heart disease than a person who has healthy gums. (#1). Diabetes Care did a study which linked gum disease with increased development of diabetes (#2). All of these studies point to the same conclusion, we need to take care of our gums!
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Brush: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, more if possible.
- Floss: Floss daily.
- Eat Healthy: Eat a healthy diet and avoid snacking on sugary foods which can lead to tooth decay.
- Dentist: Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check up and cleaning. If you develop swollen gums or tooth pain see your dentist right away.
What are your tips for keeping your gums healthy?
References:
- http://www.perioimplant.com/periodontal_education/health.html
- http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/31/7/1373.abstract
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sverve on behalf of G.U.M.
I totally lie about flossing to my dentist! LOL I do think there is a genetic component to dental health as well.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted..Ragnar Cape Cod-Moms Do It All Night Long
me tooo!!! And I know I should do it!
All great reminders for gum and teeth health!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted..Life Isn’t About Waiting for the Storm to Pass
My mom was always great about taking us to the dentist every 6 months. I really slacked on that since becoming responsible for myself but I’m happy to say that I went to the dentist in December and already have an appointment to go back next month! I do need to be better about flossing, though!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted..Don’t Accept Defeat
I’ve had my share of dental issues and I loathe the dentist but I make myself go regularly and I floss every night. I have too many friends who’ve had really serious gum issues. Yikes.
Marcia recently posted..Running Hacks
I just left the dentist and had a great check up. I admit, I need to be a better job flossing.
Artney @ My Pretty Brown recently posted..Move It Monday Ambassador
If there was a competition for worst teeth, we’d be neck and neck! Yikes! My dentist knows me very well…
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted..Challenging
I have terrible gums too. I’m guilty of not flossing as much as I should, in fact rarely which is not good. My gums use to bleed everytime I brushed my teeth until I started using an essential oil toothpaste (DoTerra OnGuard Toothpaste)! Ever since a week after I started using it my gums don’t bleed anymore, in fact the dentist was amazed at the difference!
Yes! Great post! Great tips! Our gums DO matter! 🙂
rachel recently posted..Vanilla Protein Pancakes
ugh but I hate the dentist!! I really need to go because it’s been a year since my last cleaning. I know – that’s bad. but no joke I really dread the dentist. Like I feel nauseous walking in there it just gives me anxiety. Cleanings always hurt so much for me!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted..Printable Workout Log
Great tips! I too have yucky teeth in spite of efforts to keep them sparkly.
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) recently posted..Polar M400: A Runner’s Dream Watch
I brush twice a day and floss occasionally LOL. My dentist told me I need to get an electric tooth brush because my gums are so bad 🙁
Lara recently posted..Birthday Gnarly Giveaway