Whenever people think about maintaining excellent oral health, their first thought goes to keeping their teeth clean. While this is an essential component towards keeping your mouth pristine, there is another commonly overlooked aspect. That is keeping gums clean and healthy. Today, we will look at a few basic gum care tips.
First, let’s examine some of the risks that are associated with poor gum care. There are a couple that you should watch out for. First of all, there is gingivitis, a common gum related problem. This occurs when there is moderate swelling and discomfort near the gum at the foot of your teeth. A more serious gum related disease is periodontitis. This gum disease is more serious, as the gums separating the teeth begin to spread apart, often leading to inflammation, tooth decay, and plaque.
There are several strategies that you can employ to prevent these gum related diseases and keep your mouth healthy.
Floss Once Every Day
Flossing is an excellent method to take care of your gums. The way that floss works is it removes plaque in between teeth right near the gums. By removing this built up plaque, you are developing stronger, healthier gums.
Brush Your Teeth Twice Per Day
Although this seems basic, it is critical you always keep up with dental maintenance by brushing your teeth twice per day. Additionally, we recommend you use fluoride toothpaste, which has been shows to be more effective at keeping your teeth and gums clean. Lastly, always make sure you brush your gum-line to get rid of plaque.
Consume A Well Balanced Diet
Eating a well balanced diet is a crucial component towards keeping healthy gums. We recommend you cut down of sugary foods and stock up on fruits and vegetables, especially those containing Vitamins A, C and D. Additionally, because teeth are composed of bone, we recommend you make Calcium a regular component in your diet.
Don’t Smoke Tobacco
Tobacco is notorious for having a negative impact on your oral health, specifically your gums. Because smoking debilitates your immune system, it makes it exceedingly difficult for your body to fight off infection. This makes you more prone to gum infections.
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
An often overlooked aspect that helps maintain strong gums, keeping your toothbrush clean is certainly important. As your toothbrush gets older, it holds onto more germs, which can increase the risk of gum diseases. We recommend purchasing a new toothbrush at least once every three months.
Consult A Dentist
It is always valuable to have a professional examine your gum health. This will allow you to express any concerns and get advice from your specialist. A dentist should know your personal needs and can recommend specific products and tips to maintain gum health.
If you are concerned about your gum health, book an appointment with Mountain View Dental. Their professional, comfortable services are excellent for all of your dental needs.