8 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
If you spit blood into the sink after brushing your teeth, you may have gum disease, but you’re certainly not the only one. The NHS stresses that most adults in the UK have some form of periodontitis, but there are ways to prevent it (as it’s properly called).
1) Brush Your Teeth
Who would have thought? But it’s not just about brushing your teeth, it’s about making sure you brush for at least 2 minutes (which many people don’t do), brushing properly to get to all surface areas of your teeth, and even cleaning your tongue (shudder). If you can’t brush twice a day or are struggling with these issues, then start here.
2) Floss Your Teeth
It’s a dreaded job, but dentists and dental hygienists across the country stress that it’s the best way to avoid plaque buildup. If you really can’t stand flossing, why not consider using an oral irrigator?
3) Cut Back on Sugar
Many foods and drinks contain unnecessary sugars, which can damage tooth enamel and contribute to gum disease. Keep a food diary and try to figure out where you are consuming too much sugar. Sugary drinks are the most common culprit.
4) Visit your dentist/hygienist
This is absolutely necessary to prevent further damage and highlight problem areas as well as to have any plaque professionally removed. You should try to see your dentist every 6 months, but at least every 12 months. If you are still struggling with this issue, ask your dentist for advice. He should be able to discuss this topic in more detail.
5) Don’t Smoke
Smoking is not only a major factor in gum disease, but also in many oral hygiene issues. The main reason for this is that it prevents your body from fighting off infection, and if your gums are already damaged, it makes healing more difficult. According to the CDC, you are twice as likely to develop gum disease if you smoke.
6) Reduce Stress
There are numerous tests that show that stress can have an incredibly damaging effect on your mental state, waistline, immune system, and oral health. Keeping your immune system strong is important if you want to improve your oral hygiene and avoid getting sick.
7) Use a mouthwash
Whichever you choose, you’ll need to do some research and consideration on the fluoride content and references, but this can be an added bonus after brushing. This will also help remove anything you may have missed when brushing and flossing alone.
8) Mouthwash
You will definitely eat foods high in sugar, but if you do, try rinsing your mouth with water immediately after the meal. If you’re in a public place or office, just swish some water around your mouth and then swallow it. It’s important to remove as much as possible, even if it’s just a small portion.
Of course, if you have discoloration and stains on your teeth, we recommend trying our teeth whitening powder, as the activated charcoal can absorb and remove toxins and stains from your teeth.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
