Tips to Keep Gums Healthy
Firstly, you have to learn to brush teeth properly. It’s key to having healthy mouth and gums. Brush at least twice a day using soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush the teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums, moving brush in short strokes, pressing gently, vertically brush the insides of front teeth making short strokes along each tooth. When bristles start to fray, replace the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner.
Choose the right toothpaste, the one that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of approval on the packaging.
Floss daily, a habit recognized by the ADA as an important part of oral care. It removes food and plaque from between the teeth and gums where toothbrush bristles may find difficult to reach.
Be careful when rinsing your mouth out. Know that after brushing with fluoride toothpaste and afterwards rinse your mouth out with water, you are actually washing away the fluoride as well. Do so carefully as it can diminish the effectiveness of fluoride products.
Use therapeutic mouthwash. This type of mouthwash can remove food particles from the mouth, reduce the amount of plaque on the teeth, reduce the speed at which tartar builds up, and prevent gum disease, However, it is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. Look for the ADA on the mouthwash label. Children under the age of 6 years should not use mouthwash though.
Go for regular dental checkups which typically include a professional mouth cleaning. It’s the only way to remove tartar from teeth and eliminate plaque as well. Regular visits can also help identify early signs of gum disease, like gingivitis. Early detection can help prevent more severe problems as well.
Stop smoking. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking makes a person more susceptible to gum disease because it weakens the immune system. Quitting smoking or stopping use of other tobacco products immediately help reduce the risk of developing gum disease.
Recommending Easy Steps for Healthy Gums
Here in Bellingham, we are concern with gum disease and gum health. We advocate these easy steps all the time to patients young and old. Let’s all work together for healthy gums.