8 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Good oral care and hygiene is the best action to maintain healthy teeth, gums, and mouth. As far as oral health is concerned, most people only focus on their dental health while overlooking their gums. However, your gums play a critical role in supporting your teeth and shaping a beautiful smile.

Not caring for your gum tissues can lead to numerous problems like gum disease, receding gums, jawbone loss, tooth loss, and cosmetic issues. In this article, let’s look at 8 practical tips on how to cure gum disease without a dentist and maintain healthy gums.

8 ways to keep your gums healthy

• Brush your teeth and gums daily.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and quality toothpaste to clean your teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Move the brush in short strokes to clean all surfaces of the teeth. Avoid abrasive or vigorous brushing as it can erode your teeth and gums and cause gum recession.

Make sure to replace your brush every 3 – 4 months. Cleaning your mouth at least twice daily helps prevent bacteria and plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral problems.

• Choose the right toothpaste.

Kinds of toothpaste vary in color, formulas, uses, and more factors. When choosing your toothpaste, ensure you select one with the approval of the ADA or other reputable bodies. Also, ensure it contains fluoride. Fluoride helps remineralize, strengthen, and protect your teeth and gums from bacteria and acidic attacks.

• Floss daily.

Many believe flossing isn’t necessary as long you brush your teeth thoroughly. Unfortunately, a toothbrush may not effectively clean deep areas between your teeth, encouraging plaque buildup and gum disease. Flossing helps remove food debris trapped between your teeth, preventing oral infections.

• Rinse with care.

After brushing, not rinsing your mouth thoroughly can leave traces of fluoride from the toothpaste, which is beneficial for strengthening and protecting your teeth and gums from damage. However, after eating or drinking, especially sugary and acidic items, thorough rinsing is essential to wash away bacteria and acids that cause gum disease and tooth decay.

• Use mouthwash.

ADA-approved therapeutic mouthwash available in the nearby store can help remove food debris, plaque, and tartar from the mouth, protecting you from gum disease and tooth decay. Please note that mouthwash should be part of your oral hygiene and shouldn’t replace daily brushing and flossing. Ensure to use mouthwash with the ADA seal. Also, note that children below six years shouldn’t use mouthwash.

• Get routine dental checkups.

Regular dental assessments allow your dentist to check your mouth for early signs of oral issues like tooth decay, oral cancer, and gum disease. When caught early, gum disease treatment is easy, inexpensive, and quick to treat and reverse. Dental cleanings also help remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums, reducing your risk of oral issues.

• Stop smoking.

According to the CDC, smoking increases your risk of developing gum disease. The periodontal bacteria that causes gum disease can enter the bloodstream, weakening your immune system and causing serious health complications. Quitting tobacco can help protect your teeth, gums, mouth, and overall body from serious problems.

• Eat healthier.

Your diet also plays a crucial role in your gums and teeth health. For instance, fruits and vegetables high in fiber promote saliva production. Sufficient saliva flow in the mouth stimulates blood flow to the gums and teeth and helps wash away bacteria and acids, decreasing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Healthy food options for your gums and teeth include broccoli, green tea, milk, cheese, yogurt, and fatty fish.

It’s best to avoid foods and beverages that are high in sugars, starches, and acids, like sodas, alcohol, wine, apple cider vinegar, sweets, and candy. If you do enjoy these items, consider rinsing your mouth to wash away any leftover debris that can compromise your gum and dental health.

Are you looking for non-surgical gum disease therapy in Quincy, MA? Quincy Dental Associates can help. Or contact us for more information about caring for your gums and gum infection treatments.