The health of your gums is primarily in your hands. It is true that you may be more or less prone to developing gum disease because of your genetics, but your actions are still the primary determining factor in the health of your gums. When you understand what impacts your gum health, you can take steps to protecting it. Three actions that can negatively impact your gum health include neglecting your oral hygiene, eating a poor diet, and smoking.

Neglecting your oral hygiene

The primary cause of mild gum disease (gingivitis) is poor oral hygiene. This means that there is one or more elements of your oral care routine that need improvement. People who consider themselves to have good oral hygiene can still develop gum disease if some part of their routine is lacking. For example, if you brush consistently but floss only occasionally, it can lead to the development of gum disease. Another big element of your oral care routine that can impact the development of gum disease is routine dental appointments. At these appointments, you have your teeth cleaned and tartar removed. Having the tartar on your teeth removed is one of the most effective ways to protect your gums from disease. Stay on top of brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings to minimize your risk for developing gum disease.

Eating a poor diet

In order for your physical and oral health to remain in balance, you need to eat a diet that provides you with all of the necessary nutrients. A diet that is out of balance can increase your likelihood of developing gum disease. When your diet is healthy, it can minimize the plaque buildup on your teeth and help you fight back against the bacteria that can cause gum disease. If you want to avoid damaging the health of your gums, then it is time to stop eating a poor diet.

Smoking

Smoking is an action that can have a direct and devastating impact on the health of your gums. Smoking makes your gums more susceptible to disease, which can cause them to recede and pull away from your teeth. Over time, these changes in your gums can cause your teeth to become loose and fall out. Protecting the health of your gums is one of the many reasons to get help quitting smoking.

These three actions can all have a negative impact on the health of your gums if you do not keep them in check. You can protect your gum health by improving your oral care routine, eating a balanced diet, and cutting smoking out of your life. The early stages of gum disease are usually completely reversible, so it is important to make these changes before it progresses to a more serious state.