8 Ways To Avoid Gum Disease
If you’ve spat out blood into the sink after brushing your teeth then you are probably suffering from gum disease, however you are certainly not alone. The NHS highlights the point that most adults in the UK suffer from this issue in some shape or form, however there are a number of ways in which you can avoid periodontal disease (as it is properly known).
1) Brush Your Teeth
Who would have thought it? But this doesn’t simply come down to brushing your teeth, it is about making sure you do it for at least 2 minutes (which many people fail to do), brushing in the proper way so all surface areas of the tooth are reached and even brushing the tongue (shudder). If you are failing to brush twice a day or struggling with any of these points then this is the starting point for you.
2) Floss
It is that dreaded job, but dentists and hygienists up and down the country highlight it as the best thing you can do to avoid the build-up of plaque. If you really can’t stand the idea of flossing, why not consider a water flosser.
3) Reduce Sugar
So many foods and drinks contain an unnecessarily large amount of sugar content, which will damage the enamel and can cause gum disease. Write a food and drink journal and try to see where you are consuming too much sugar, with sugar drinks being the most common culprit.
4) Visit The Dentist / Hygienist
From preventing further damage and highlighting areas of concern, as well as professionally removing any plaque, this is an absolute must. You should try to visit your dentist every 6 months, but at the absolute minimum you should go within 12 months. If you continue to struggle with this issue, ask your dentist for advice and they should be able to talk through the topic in further detail.
5) Don’t Smoke
Smoking is a key factor in not just gum disease, but a number of oral care issues. The main reason it is an issue is it prevents your body from fighting infections, and if the gum is already damaged then it makes it harder for them to heal. The CDC state it is twice as likely you will suffer from gum disease if you smoke.
6) Reduce Stress
There have been a vast number of tests that have shown the incredibly damaging effect stress can have on your mental state, waistline, immune system and oral health. It’s important to keep your immune system up and strong if you want to both help your oral hygiene as well as staying off the sick bed.
7) Use A Mouthwash
Which one you decide upon will take some research and consideration into the fluoride content and the credentials, but this can be an extra addition after brushing your teeth. This will also help to remove anything that might have been missed with brushing and flossing alone.
8) Wash Your Mouth Out
You’re inevitably going to eat something with a high sugar content, but when you do, try to wash your mouth out with water straight after. If you’re in public or in the office, then simply swig some water around the mouth and then swallow. The important thing is to remove as much as possible which might be trapped on the teeth, even if only a small portion is removed.
Of course, if you do suffer from discolouration and stains on the teeth, we recommend trying out our teeth whitening powder as the activated charcoal can absorb and extract toxins and stains from the 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.
