When you look at the mirror and smile, perhaps the first thing you may look at might be your pearly white teeth. But have you tried looking at the gums holding them? Many people are so concentrated on tooth care and forget their gums. You’ll be surprised to know that taking care of your gums is almost the same for your teeth. Now, let’s talk about the simple ways to maintain your gum health.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums
Healthy gums play a significant role in maintaining a person’s healthy smile and entire well-being, and keeping it healthy is not really challenging. Below are simple things you can follow to keep your gums in their top condition.
1. Quit smoking
According to research performed by health experts, smoking can increase a person’s threat of gum disease as it damages the immune system. For optimum gum health, it is recommended to stop cigarette smoking and other tobacco products to minimize the risk of gum disease. Giving up smoking benefits gum health, reduces the chances of lung issues and other conditions, and enhances a person’s general health.
2. Be consistent with frequent oral examinations
Dental checkups include expert mouth cleaning. This is a great and effective way to eliminate tartar from your teeth. Furthermore, this considerably helps eliminate plaque that people might have missed when tooth brushing. If you have kids, it is great to teach them about primary dental care and routinely take them to facilities specializing in children’s dental care to keep their teeth in ideal condition.
3. Floss and brush every day.
Floss and brush your teeth a minimum of one to two times daily. According to specialists, 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 can do it in the evening before going to sleep, first thing in the morning, or after consuming lunch.
Doing this also saves you from periodontal disease. If you’ve been having a hard time chewing due to tooth pain, that can be an early sign of periodontitis. Consider booking an appointment with a local periodontist or dentist to have your teeth checked.
4. Brush your teeth properly
The best method to keep healthy gums is by brushing appropriately and correctly. Dental professionals suggest that people follow the instructions enumerated below:
- Making several brief strokes for each tooth.
- Brushing at least two times a day
- Moving the toothbrush in small strokes.
- 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.
- Pressing gently.
- Cleaning up the insides of the front teeth by brushing vertically.
- Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush.
You may inquire from facilities like Always About Smiles to find out more about proper brushing and dental care you can do in the comfort of your home.
5. Regularly use mouthwash
Therapeutic mouthwashes typically available over the counter can help prevent and reduce the odds of gingivitis, reduce plaque and the speed tartar develops. A mouthwash rinse can help eliminate debris and food particles from your teeth, but it should not be replaced or substituted for brushing and flossing. Instead, it needs to be performed along with those. When buying mouthwash, look for the one with an ADA seal, as these are deemed safe and effective.