When it comes to your oral health and hygiene, your gums are every bit as important as your teeth. Even if you are cavity-free and have the best-looking teeth, you are not immune to gum disease. Most people don’t even know when they have issues with their gums.
Gum disease starts when plaque builds up under and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film filled with millions of bacteria. When left on your teeth for long, it hardens and becomes tartar (at which point, it can only be removed by a dental professional). The build-up on your teeth can lead to infection in your gum and bone. When this happens, the disease will cause tooth decay and eventually pain in your gum. All this can be prevented by implementing these 5 sensible practices for keeping gums healthy.
1.) Floss
Floss at least once a day. This will help remove anything your toothbrush misses. Since your toothbrush cannot fully reach between your teeth, you will have to floss to be thorough in your dental hygiene. It really doesn’t matter when you floss during the day, just do it once a day. If you floss before you brush, be sure to rinse out your mouth so you don’t brush particles back in between your teeth.
2.) Get regular dental cleanings
When you come to Meridian Campus Family Dental, Dr. Carpenter can detect early gum disease symptoms. By making regular appointments and coming in for routine visits, you can be sure we will treat any issues you might have before they get serious. A professional cleaning can get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing and remove tartar which cannot be eliminated with a toothbrush.
3.) Quit Smoking
Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. Since smoking weakens your immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. Also, smoking makes it harder for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged.
4.) Brush twice a day
When you brush after every meal, you are removing stopping the formation of plaque in its tracks. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles to help minimize damage to your gums. One of the best toothbrushes you can use is a battery-powered or electric toothbrush. These can help reduce plaque in hard to get places more effectively than regular toothbrushes. Remember to change your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray.
5.) Use a therapeutic mouthwash
Therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce plaque, gingivitis and the speed at which tarter develops. A rinse helps remove food particles and debris from your mouth, though it’s not a substitute for flossing and brushing.
These simple ways will help your gums be healthy. Here are Meridian Campus Family Dental, we love seeing our patients and new patients so we can help you keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Make an appointment to see us or call us if you have any questions.