Oral care isn’t just about your teeth. The health of your gums is just as important. In fact, unhealthy gums can lead to tooth loss and has even been linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. In this blog post, we’ll offer up some tips to keeping your gums healthy.
Floss
If you’re not already in the habit of flossing once every day, it’s time to change that. The gums are the perfect place for bacteria, plaque, and food particles to hide, and flossing is really the only way to ensure that you are removing them. Be sure to floss once everyday, it doesn’t matter when. Pick a time that works best for you, and stick to it!
Quit Smoking
If you’re a smoker, here’s another great reason to quit. Studies have linked smoking to gum disease, a problem you don’t want to have. Gum disease, or gingivitis, causes bad breath, swollen, painful or bloody gums, gum recession, tooth loss, and more.
Learn to Brush
That’s right, you might have to actually learn how to brush your teeth right. Many of us brush too quickly and use too much pressure, which isn’t serving our gums. You should be brushing twice every day for two full minutes each time, and be sure to do it gently. If you are worried about your gums, especially if your dentist has sounded the alarm, try an electric toothbrush. These devices do most of the work for you, encouraging a gentler brush, and some models come with pressure sensors and a timer that’ll keep you on your toes. Finally, be sure to choose a toothpaste with fluoride for important nourishment for your teeth and gums.
Come See Us At Spring Haven Dental
Another important component in maintaining your gum health is to see your dentist twice a year. Not only will we give your teeth a deep clean, but seeing you regularly will allow us to detect gum disease early if it should arise, that way we can treat it before it gets serious. If you don’t have your next appointment scheduled, give our office a call today!
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