The Best Ways To Keep Your Gums Healthy
Healthy teeth require healthy gums. It’s common for people to overlook the importance of their gums in their oral health. By practicing exceptional oral hygiene, you can keep your gums in good health. If you aren’t sure where to begin in keeping them healthy, don’t worry! We’re here to remind you of the importance and to provide you with the best ways to keep them healthy. Incorporating the following healthy gum tips, you can keep both your smile and your dentist happy.
Ways To Keep Gums Healthy
- Brush Teeth: The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people brush their teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice daily, pressing gently and moving the toothbrush in short strokes.
- Floss Daily: Flossing is not just something that your dentist bothers you about every appointment, it’s actually an important oral habit that can help keep your gums healthy. By flossing daily you can remove any build-up of bacteria.
- Use Mouthwash: Adding mouth wash into your daily oral routine can help to prevent gum disease, reduce the speed of tartar build-up, and remove food particles that can be leftover in the mouth.
- Stop Smoking: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that smoking can make someone more susceptible to gum disease because smoking can weaken the immune system.
- Regularly See Your Dentist: Professional cleaning by your dentist will help to eliminate plaque that could have been missed by regular teeth brushing. Regular visits can also help to identify and gum changes or signs of gum disease.
Signs You May Have Unhealthy Gums
For those who may not have good oral health, it can lead to gum disease and tooth loss. It is common for gum disease to start out mildly and progressively increase over time. Two types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis
This is a mild form of gum disease. The signs that people with gingivitis may have are red and swollen gums that can begin to bleed any time you are brushing your teeth. People with gingivitis may also have chronically bad breath. If left untreated, this gum disease can turn into periodontitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis happens when plaque and tartar begin to spread below the gumline. The bacteria from the plaque can trigger inflammation which can lead to the body destroying the tissues and/or bone that support the teeth.
Contact Us
To learn more information about the importance of gum health, or to request an appointment with Dr. Pollock at Rockwall Oral Surgery, please give us a call today at (469) 264-8921, visit our contact page or reach us via email at info@dentalimplantsurgery.com.
