5 Simple Steps to Keep Your Gum Health Strong This Fall in Buffalo
A Season of Change
As the seasons shift from one to another, our routines tend to change as well. Perhaps your children were on summer break and now it’s time to go back to school. It’s little surprise that their entire routine will be different. As the cooler weather comes into play, school schedules resume, and those holiday treats sneak into the day, it’s important to remember that these changes can affect our gum health, which can have a big impact on our overall oral health.
With a few small adjustments, you and your family can keep those oral care routines on track. Of course, there’s no better time to check on your oral care routine than during a time of transition like a season change!
Periodontitis, or gum disease, is one of the most common dental problems. Its severity can vary from simple red and puffy gums to tooth loss, so it’s important to catch it as early as you can. By making necessary changes to your oral care routine, you can often reverse the effects of gum disease if it hasn’t gone too far.
Are you concerned you’re dealing with gum disease? Here are our seven red flags to watch out for! But remember, it’s something we regularly check for when you’re at a regular dental checkup so we won’t leave you guessing.
1. Refresh your brushing routine.
Do you know when you last changed your toothbrush? If your answer is no, you’re not alone. Many people forget to change out their toothbrush regularly. Why not make it a habit to change the toothbrush during those seasonal transitions? It’s often recommended to change your toothbrush every three to four months, so waiting for those seasons to change over is just about right. With summer at an end, now is the perfect time to replace that worn toothbrush so your teeth can get the treatment they deserve.
When you’re shopping for a toothbrush, it’s best if you opt for the soft-bristled variety. Yes, this will still get your teeth nice and clean, but it’ll be safer for the enamel and is often considered to be more comfortable than the harder-bristled varieties.
What about brushing your teeth in general? It’s suggested that you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, ensuring you also get the gumline to keep bacteria from building up. Don’t forget to floss!
2. Get serious about flossing.
When you’re brushing your teeth, you don’t want to forget to floss at least once a day. This is important to remove the plaque hidden between the teeth. Though brushing is an excellent way to keep your teeth clean, that plaque likes to hide where the bristles can’t quite reach. Flossing takes care of this!
When is the best time to floss? We suggest making flossing a part of the bedtime routine for both kids and adults. This way you go to bed with sparkling teeth and the sugars in your mouth won’t have a chance to become cavities throughout the night.
3. Watch seasonal snacking.
Once that weather begins to cool, it’s time to get prepared for all of the holidays! Of course, it’s important to take care of your teeth during this time by being mindful of seasonal snacking. Those sugary drinks drastically increase plaque buildup, and if left unchecked can quickly contribute to an increased chance of cavities. Sticky treats, such as caramels, have a tendency to stick to the teeth, which also contribute to cavities.
So, how can you avoid this issue? After you have a snack, rinse your mouth with water whenever brushing isn’t possible. It’s not perfect, but it can really help keep those sugars from eating away at your enamel and creating cavities.
4. Stay hydrated as temperatures drop.
It’s easier to remember to drink water when it’s hot outside, but it’s still incredibly important to drink something when those temperatures drop. If you get dehydrated, you run the risk of developing dry mouth. Over time, this can lead to gum irritation and increase the risk of cavities. Plus, having enough saliva in your mouth can help get rid of bacteria that could be hanging around. So, be sure to drink water throughout the day! Your teeth will thank you.
5. Schedule a fall tooth cleaning.
No matter the season, it’s important to keep up with your regular tooth cleanings. These professional cleanings remove hardened buildup and keep your teeth healthy and your breath fresh. But they do so much more than that. These regular checkups also help detect any problems such as gum concerns, like periodontitis. Often, if these issues are found early, they can be reversed by a simple change in your dental routine.
The fall season is an excellent time of transition. Why not use it to help reset your oral health routine? Your gums and teeth will thank you! Are you ready to schedule that oral checkup? Jump online and get it scheduled before the holiday rush begins!
