Gum disease treatments, such as scaling, root planing, and gum surgery, can restore gum health. However, maintaining healthy gums and preventing reinfection post-treatment requires a commitment beyond the procedure. 

In this article, we’ll explore the daily practices, lifestyle changes, and professional care methods that ensure healthy gums. If you need assistance to get started on your journey to complete gum health, find an Ideal Dental near you today to schedule an appointment.

Understand the Causes of Re-Infection in the Gums

Even when gums are treated for an infection, it doesn’t mean you’re completely in the clear. Without proper care, re-infection can occur quickly. Bacterial plaque can form soon after treatment if brushing or flossing routines lapse. Insufficient daily care can also allow bacteria to repopulate gum pockets, which can lead to re-infection. 

Poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking or consistently high sugar intake, can also contribute to gum inflammation and could lead to a repeated infection. According to the CDC, smokers have twice the risk of gum disease when compared to non-smokers. 

Establish a Diligent Oral Care Routine

One of the best ways to prevent gum infection is to establish a consistent daily oral health care routine. This should include: 

• Twice-Daily Brushing: Use a soft-bristle or electric toothbrush, paying attention to gum lines.
• Flossing or Water Flossing: Clean interdental spaces daily to remove hidden debris.
• Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Rinse away bacteria missed by brushing and flossing.

Embrace a Healthy Diet

Another important way to maintain healthy gums is to embrace a healthy diet. This includes limiting sugary foods, which feed bacteria and increase the risk of plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease and inflammation. 

Another key aspect is to incorporate nutrient-rich foods into your diet. Foods high in Vitamins C and D, as well as calcium and antioxidants, can help promote healthy gums. Staying hydrated can also help wash away any leftover food particles and neutralize acids. 

Quit Tobacco and Moderate Alcohol Use

Smoking and heavy alcohol use can also have a substantial impact on gum health. Tobacco constricts blood vessels in the gums, which slows healing and defense mechanisms, making you more prone to gum disease and infection. 

Excessive alcohol use, meanwhile, can dry out oral tissues, which promotes bacterial growth and can cause infections. 

Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings to Ensure Gum Health

Regular appointments with a dental professional are another key way to establish good gum health. Biannual appointments and cleanings can remove tartar, which significantly limits the risk of infection. 

Dentists can also monitor gum pocket depths and spot signs of reinfection or inflammation before it worsens. Your dentist can also work with you to develop a customized care plan and provide tips for how to improve gum health at home, such as by using specialized rinses or fluoride treatments. 

Managing Stress and Overall Health

Even if you’re practicing good oral health, eating a nutritional diet, and going in for regular cleanings, you can still develop gum disease if you don’t manage your stress levels and overall health. 

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, which in turn can make gums more susceptible to bacteria. Diabetes and other systemic issues can also complicate gum health and maintenance. 

Proper exercise, sufficient sleep, and managing stress through mindfulness and professional support can enhance your overall well-being, which in turn helps ensure healthy gums. 

Use Additional Tools for Advanced Gum Care

When you visit your dentist for a bi-annual check-up, ask them if they recommend any specialized tools to treat gums at home. These may include: 

• Interdental Brushes: Helpful for cleaning larger spaces or around dental appliances.
• Oral Irrigators: Water flossers gently flush out bacteria from gum pockets.
• Specialized Toothpaste: Formulated to reduce sensitivity or strengthen gum tissue.

Preventive Dental Care at Ideal Dental

Following these habits and practices is the best way to keep your gums disease-free. Additionally, you can also work with your dentist to develop a post-treatment maintenance plan that can help keep your gums free of bacteria the next time you go in for a cleaning. 

When you’re ready to schedule your next cleaning, or if you believe you may have gum disease that needs treatment, contact your local Ideal Dental today.