5 Tips For Better Gum Care
When you hear the words, “general dentistry,” chances are good that you think first and foremost of your teeth. After all, logos for dentists are often built around the image of a tooth or a smile, and when you visit a dental website or see a commercial for dental care products, you are almost overwhelmed with smiles — which is never a bad thing.
However, what are you doing to promote the health of your gums? Healthy gums are a crucial part of having healthy teeth, so in today’s blog from the general dentistry experts at Concord Smile in the greater Bay Area, we’ll take a look at five easy tips for promoting and maintaining better gum care.
Reduce Or Quit Your Smoking Habit
When it comes to improving the health of your gums, reducing — or, even better — quitting your smoking habit is the single best thing we can recommend. While we know that stopping smoking is no easy task, it’s crucial to stop permanent damage to your gums and teeth alike.
Smoking strongly correlates with the onset of gingivitis and has been shown to reduce your body’s ability to fight bacterial infections in your mouth. Furthermore, smoking also reduces your gums’ ability to recover from damage.
Make Sure To Choose Fluoride Toothpastes
Chances are good that you already brush regularly, and if not, you should. But making sure that you are using a fluoride toothpaste is a great way to take your brushing game to a whole new level. Fluoride helps to prevent gingivitis and can also reduce the build-up of plaque — two of the single biggest culprits of gum disease.
Floss Every Day
The ADA (American Dental Association) recommends that you floss every single day. Flossing helps to break up and remove food particles and other debris that is stuck in your teeth and in the shallow portions of your gums. Left alone, this food waste becomes a harbor for germs that can cause gingivitis, bad breath, and an increase in the levels of bacteria that lead to plaque.
If you’re not a fan of flossing, consider purchasing and using a water pick instead. Many people find them to be more comfortable and easier to reach back to their molars with.
Use Mouthwash That Is ADA Approved
Another great way to fight gingivitis and bacterial buildup that can lead to gum disease are to use an ADA-approved mouthwash daily. While mouthwash tends to be a touchy item to purchase — many people tend to think of it as a way to treat bad breath instead of a way to promote gum health, and this can lead to a higher level of self-consciousness when standing in line with a bottle of Listerine — it’s a fast, easy way to promote better gum health for the entire household.
Click here for a complete list of ADA approved products and brands.
Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning Today
Finally, one of the most important ways to promote healthy gums is to make sure that you are making semi-annual appointments for your regular dental cleanings and check-ups. Regular cleanings not only prevent problems but can catch problems that are already taking place before they get out of hand, and therefore out of pocket.
