How to Keep Your Gums Healthy
When it comes to oral health, many assume that good hygiene stops at the teeth. While it is true that maintaining healthy teeth is essential to ensure long-lasting oral health, gum health is equally important. Neglected gums can lead to several serious dental health issues, including gum disease.
Fortunately, keeping gums healthy is no more difficult or time-consuming than your daily teeth cleaning habits. Knowing exactly what practices benefit gum health and integrating those practices into your daily oral hygiene routine will help to ensure your gums stay happy and healthy for years to come!
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Brushing
You probably already know that brushing is essential for maintaining healthy teeth. But a less commonly known fact is that gums benefit from consistent brushing too.
The following are a few guidelines to implement into your brushing routine to make sure that your gums are getting the full health benefits:
- Brush after every meal to help remove food particles and plaque caught between your gums and teeth.
- Use a soft-bristled brush. Hard bristles can potentially damage the gums, causing them to recede or leaving them vulnerable to infection.
- Use an electric toothbrush. These brushes are proven to reduce gingivitis more effectively than manual brushes.
- Replace worn-out toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months. Not only do brushes lose their effectiveness over time, but they can also begin to harbor bacteria, potentially leading to gum disease or other health risks.
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Floss
Flossing at least once a day is crucial for removing those hard-to-reach food particles that become lodged between teeth. Daily flossing reduces plaque buildup while decreasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Flossing also provides a particularly important service for the gums. According to dental professionals, flossing stimulates the gums, increasing blood flow and thereby bolstering the gums’ immune response which helps fight off infections and carry away toxins and harmful bacteria.
The benefits of flossing are numerous. Besides consistent brushing, there is nothing better for maintaining your oral health!
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Go to Your Dental Cleanings
Visiting the dentist every 6 months can sometimes feel like a hassle. But, there is a reason doctors urge patients to attend regular cleanings. Frequent checkups allow your doctor to diagnose and treat potential dental health issues early, making sure your gums and teeth stay healthy.
Cleanings are also the only way to keep plaque from building up around the gum line and in other hard-to-reach areas of the mouth that you may neglect when brushing or flossing.
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Rinse with Antiseptic Mouthwash
Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash is a great way to supplement your daily oral health routine. While mouthwash should not be used as a substitute for brushing or flossing, rinsing helps expel food particles and harmful bacteria from the mouth. To enjoy the full benefits of antiseptic mouthwash, be sure to rinse with it at least once a day.
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Stop Smoking
Smoking not only greatly increases plaque buildup. It also lowers the immune response of the mouth significantly. This leaves the gums particularly vulnerable to disease or infection while making it more difficult for them to heal once they’ve been damaged. If you want healthy gums, cutting out smoking is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.