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    7 Signs You’re At Risk For Gum Disease – And What To Do

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    Fact: gum disease is super common. In fact, per the South African government, around 90% of us experience it at some point. The only other thing more common? A cold. But it’s also risky. That’s because gum disease is mostly not noticeable – and research has linked the problem to a range of serious health issues. Alzheimer’s, heart disease, infertility and even cancer. Here’s how to dodge the danger. What are the symptoms of gum disease? According to Dirna Grobbelaar, oral hygiene advisor for Ivohealth and a member of the Oral Hygienists Association of South Africa (OHASA), most people don’t realise they have gum disease. Visible signs include redness, swelling or bleeding gums. “Bleeding gums are never normal,” she says. “You may attribute bleeding gums to using the wrong brush or floss; in most cases, bleeding gums indicate gingivitis, the early form of gum disease.”Fortunately, gingivitis can be treated and is reversible. If untreated, it can develop into a more serious form of gum disease – periodontitis – which can lead to bone and tooth loss. “Gum disease is best prevented and the earlier you intervene the better,” says Grobbelaar.Can you be at risk of gum disease? Bummer: yes you can. Genetics play a role, as does dry mouth and diabetes. But your habits can also contribute to a higher risk of yucky bacterial growth and unhealthy gums. Here, some signs you’re putting your oral health at risk – besides smoking or vaping. You brush too hard Maybe not a precursor for gum disease per se, but “aggressive brushing can cause gum recession,” says Grobbelaar. Your fix: use a soft-bristled brush or one that snaps back when you apply too much pressure. Or, think of it this way: your teeth are not your enemy. You skip flossing We’ve all been guilty of it – but making it a habit puts you at risk. Plaque and food debris love to hide between teeth where brushing cannot reach. If you don’t floss, it builds up and irritates the gums, potentially causing gingivitis.You should be brushing twice a day for at least two minutes – 15 seconds per quadrant. Then, a daily floss is in order. If you can’t stand the strand kind, get a water flosser or interdental brush pick – see those below. READ MORE: Are Wellness Shots With Turmeric, Ginger, Or ACV Actually Good For You? A Dietician Weighs InYou’re brushing like a see-sawGood brush technique gets to the far back of the mouth and uses small, circular motions. “Incorrect brushing can damage the gums or leave plaque behind,” explains Grobbelaar. You ignore bleeding gums Per experts, bleeding gums are never normal – and is usually a sign of gum disease, Grobbelaar says. “If you see red when you brush or floss, follow a meticulous oral hygiene routine for a week,” says Grobbelaar (details below). “If it continues, consult a dental professional.” More scary stuff: “If untreated, bleeding gums can lead to more serious problems including periodontitis, tooth loss, cardiovascular disease and pregnancy complications,” says Grobbelaar. “It is also more expensive to treat gum disease at an advanced stage.”You use alcohol-based mouthwashes Weird but true! “Alcohol dries out the mouth, which can lead to gum problems,” says Grobbelaar. “Opt for alcohol-free options.” You skip the dentist Set up an auto-alert every six months for the dentist – and actually stick to it. “Regular dental check-ups allow your dentist to spot issues before you can,” says Grobbelaar. What’s more, even with your good routine, pesky plague and troublesome bacteria still need to be professionally cleaned. Excitingly, it no longer has to be painful. EMS Guided Biofilm Therapy® is a new treatment to clean the mouth – and it’s gentler, more comfortable and more effective. Find a practitioner for it here. You’re not replacing your brush heads Another thing to schedule, maybe: an old brush can’t clean well, which can lead to… you guessed – gum disease. And, the longer you have it, the more mould it can grow, which can make you sick. It also collects more bacteria over time, which could lead to a dental infection. Replace the brush every three months – or sooner, if it starts looking worn out or dirty. You have hormones Ah, another wonderful side-effect of being a woman. “Pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation can make gums more sensitive and prone to disease,” says Grobbelaar. While that’s certainly not something you can blame yourself for, take the time to pay special attention to your teeth during this time. READ MORE: Manual vs Electric Toothbrushes: Which Is Better?How to treat gum disease at homeIf you have the early signs of gum disease, follow these steps every day for a week. If things don’t resolve, see a dentist. Brush twice a dayAnd brush for two minutes every time. Use a soft-bristled brush, and make it a small head that can get to tricky spaces more easily. Ordo Sonic+ Toothbrush

    Not only us it pretty, it also has four brush modes, 40 000 sonic pulses per minute and does the job well.

    Oral B IO Series 3 Electric Toothbrush

    This brush even monitors your brushing, featuring a pressure sensor, interactive display and gum protection.

    Balene Toothbrush

    Made for anyone with mobility issues, this brush has a dual-sided head that brushes inside and out and rotates 180°.

    READ MORE: 11 Ways To Get More Energy When You’re Feeling TiredGet flossing These get in between your teeth to remove stuck bacteria. Pomafloss Portable Water Flosser

    This nifty water flosser is perfect for sensitive teeth and makes flossing way easier.

    GUM Soft-Picks PRO

    These picks are part brush, part toothpick and all plague-busting, making cleaner teeth.

    White Glo Tight Fit Toothpicks

    These handy picks easily slide between each tooth to scrape off debris and is mint-infused.

    Use the right mouthwash These alcohol-free formulas won’t dry out your mouth and are friendly to sensitive gums. GUM Paroex Intensive Action

    This alcohol-free rinse helps restore gum health, especially before or after oral surgery.

    Faithful To Nature Mouthwash

    Made with natural materials, this minty, cooling wash banishes bacteria and plaque build-up.

    Listerine Total Care Mild Mouthwash

    Also alcohol-free, this milder wash maintains healthy, strong teeth and gums.

    Test your gum health Ivohealth has a nifty quiz that gauges your gum sitch from just a few questions. Take the #HealthyGUMCheck to quickly assess your gum health, discover early indicators of disease and receive expert advice from a trusted oral health professional. Try it out here. Women’s Health participates in various affiliate marketing programmes, which means we may get commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. More

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      Manual vs Electric Toothbrushes: Which Is Better?

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      When it comes to brushing your teeth, one question tends to always come up: which is better, manual or electric toothbrushes? Experts say they each have their own set of pitfalls and boons.

      But what is important is that everyone brushes their teeth twice a day for two minutes each. That’s because the mouth is the gateway to the gut, which in turn impacts your bod’s overall health. Plus, according to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), “Abnormal bacterial communities in the oral cavity have been linked to liver disease, renal failure, cancers, heart disease and hypertension.” Scary stuff indeed.

      READ MORE: 5 Morning Routines That Actually Work, According To Science

      Why Do Manual Toothbrushes Get A Bad Rap?

      Manual toothbrushes are useful for cleaning teeth and play a vital role in good oral hygiene, when done properly. But for many people, using the wrong technique or brushing for too short a time can mitigate the benefits of brushing.

      It’s Really Easy To Use Your Manual Toothbrush Wrong

      “Often, people do not brush their teeth for long enough with a manual toothbrush or use the incorrect brushing technique – such as scrubbing back and forth with a hard pressure – which may result in tooth abrasion and gum recession,” says Dr Tinesha Parbhoo, Head of Clinical Support Services for the South African Dental Association.

      You Need A Certain Amount Of Mobility And Coordination

      It can also be difficult to use if you’re a person with limited dexterity in your hands. “Manual toothbrushes also require a certain level of dexterity and coordination for effective use, which may be challenging in people with arthritis,” adds Dr Parbhoo. Added to that, a large brush head can make it difficult to reach the back of the mouth.

      READ MORE: 10 Dietician-Approved Lifestyle Changes That’ll Curb Those Uncomfortable IBS Symptoms

      The Benefits Of Electric Toothbrushes

      “Electric toothbrushes usually have rotating and oscillating heads,” says Dr Parbhoo. “This assists in removing plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas, which results in an overall reduction in plaque and calculus and improves total gingival health.” New-gen electric toothbrushes have built-in timers that remind you to change quadrants. They also only stop when the recommended two minutes are up. It doesn’t end there:

      They’re Beneficial For People With Limited Mobility

      Electric toothbrushes do most of the work for you, and are particularly helpful for people with mobility issues such as arthritis or carpal tunnel.

      They Could Be Less Wasteful

      When it’s time to replace your toothbrush, you only have to replace the head of the electric brush, not the entire item, as you would with a manual toothbrush.

      They Have Special Features

      Some electric toothbrushes boast special features like built-in timers, different speeds and pressure sensors to ensure you get the most out of your brushing session.

      READ MORE: It’s Possible To Reverse Type 2 Diabetes, According To One Woman Who Did It 

      3 Electric Toothbrushes To Try

      Philips 3100 Series

      The 3100 Series is an ergonomically designed, lightweight sonic electric toothbrush with a built-in pressure sensor. The bristle vibrations drive micro-bubbles deep between teeth and along the gum line.. Plus, with 31 000 gentle brush strokes per minute this toothbrush will break up and sweep away plaque while protecting your teeth and gums.

      Pomadent Pomabrush

      This unique brush is soft, sleek and truly aesthetically pleasing. With 15 000 sonic vibrations per minute, you’ll get a superior clean. The brush also comes with your choice of nylon-silicone or silicone bristles, for those with sensitive gums.

      What’s extra cool? The nylon-silicone brush head is also infused with charcoal for a deeper clean and this toothbrush is waterproof, meaning you can brush in the shower if that’s your thing.

      Oral-B iO Series 5

      The small, round brush head makes for easier access to those hard-to-reach areas. Plus, a Smart Pressure Sensor changes colour when you’re brushing too hard or too softly (neat!). But if that’s not enough, A.I. Brushing Recognition recognises your brushing style and guides you to better brushing every day. It then connects to an app with detailed insights.

      READ MORE: Could Bed Rotting Be The Answer To Your Self-Care Struggles?

      So, Are Electric Toothbrushes Better?

      According to experts, the jury’s out. “Many studies report that powered toothbrushes are more effective in removing plaque due to a predefined power and force which can effectively remove plaque, gingivitis and overall bleeding,” explains Dr Parbhoo. “Other studies indicate that manual toothbrushes, when used correctly, are as effective as manual toothbrushes in removing plaque.”

      But, one caveat: all these studies only looked at the effectiveness of rotating-oscillating toothbrushes compared to other types of electric toothbrushes on the market.

      No matter what you opt for, always remember the golden rule: brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. More

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      If You’re Embarrassed By Your Teeth, You’ll Find These Facts About Whitening Toothpaste Interesting

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      Desperate to make your teeth whiter? Let’s start with the bad news. According to Mayo Clinic, if your teeth are naturally discoloured and the stain goes deeper than the tooth’s surface, then a toothpaste is not going to be able to help much. , provided you use a dentist-approved whitening toothpaste, it can definitely make […] More