When you look at the mirror and smile, perhaps the first thing you look at may be your pearly white teeth. But have you tried looking at the gums holding them? Most people are so concentrated on tooth care and forget their gums. You’ll be surprised to know that caring for your gums is practically the same for your teeth. Now, let’s discuss the useful ways to maintain your gum health.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums
Healthy gums play an excellent part in maintaining an individual’s healthy smile and entire well-being, and keeping it healthy is not very challenging. Below are simple guidelines to keep your gums in their best condition.
1. Regularly use mouthwash
Therapeutic mouthwashes typically available over-the-counter can help prevent and minimize the odds of gingivitis and reduce plaque, and the speed tartar builds. A mouthwash rinse can help remove food particles and debris from your teeth, but it shouldn’t be replaced or substituted for flossing and brushing. Instead, it needs to be performed along with those. When buying mouthwash, search for the one with an ADA seal, as these are deemed safe and efficient.
2. Be consistent with frequent dental checkups
Dental examinations include professional mouth cleaning. This is a great and reliable way to remove tartar from your teeth. Moreover, this helps remove plaque that individuals may have overlooked when tooth brushing. If you have children, it is also great to teach them about basic dental care and frequently take them to a pediatric dentist in Bethlehem PA, to keep their teeth in optimal condition.
3. Floss and brush every day.
Floss and brush your teeth one to two times daily. According to professionals, daily flossing helps remove the plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth and beyond the toothbrush’s reach. Doing these anytime doesn’t matter. You may do it at night before going to bed, first thing in the morning, or after eating lunch.
Doing this also saves you from gum disease. If you’ve been experiencing wisdom tooth pain when chewing, that could be an early sign of periodontitis. Consider scheduling an appointment with a local periodontist or dentist to have your teeth inspected.
4. Brush your teeth properly
The best way to keep healthy gums is by brushing appropriately and correctly. Dental experts suggest that people follow the instructions listed below:
- Brushing at least twice a day
- Changing your toothbrush after 3 to 4 months, or sooner when the bristles start to fray.
- Brushing at a 45-degree position to the gums.
- Moving the toothbrush in short strokes.
- Making numerous brief strokes for each tooth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
You may inquire from your local dentist or visit their website here to learn more about proper tooth brushing.
5. Quit smoking
According to a study conducted by health professionals, smoking can increase a person’s risk of gum disease as it deteriorates the body’s immune system. For optimal gum health, stopping cigarette smoking and using other tobacco products is recommended to minimize the risk of gum disease. Giving up smoking benefits gum health reduces the risk of lung issues and other illnesses, and improves an individual’s general health.
