5 Tips for Keeping Your Gums Healthy

A healthy smile begins with healthy gums. Keeping your gums in good condition is easier than you would think, there are just a few simple dos and don’ts that you need to follow. Gum disease can affect anyone, even those of us who have the brightest smiles and the whitest teeth. Here are 5 great tips that everyone should stick to for keeping their gums healthy.

1. Stop Smoking

Smoking is one of the nastiest causes of gum disease. The reason for this is simple; smoking pummels your immune system and leaves your gums highly susceptible to getting infected. Smoking also makes it harder for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged. According to recent studies done in the U.S, smokers have double the risk of developing gum disease when compared to non-smokers which should be more than enough reason to kick the habit.

2. Floss

Flossing is so effective at removing the plaque build-up in between your teeth and under your gum-line, where traditional brushing can’t reach. Gingivitis, a well-known form of periodontal disease, can be managed (and even reversed) with flossing and meticulous home care. Your dental health is so important to your overall physical and mental wellbeing and flossing is a vital part of maintaining your oral health.

3. Go for Regular Dental Check-Ups

Dental visits aren’t just for children. Your dentist in Celina, TX will be able to detect signs of gum disease long before they become a serious issue, but they can only do this if you’re going for regular visits. Gum disease commonly has 3 stages and, if caught early enough, can be reversed before any major damage is done. If your check-up is clear then you can still get a professional dental cleaning while you are there to make the trip worthwhile, this is the only recommended way to remove tartar. So don’t wait until it’s too late to book an appointment and make your teeth feel good with this dentist in little falls.

4. Brush in The Morning and At Night

I know it isn’t always feasible to brush after every meal but you do need to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Doing this will help remove the food residue and plaque that is trapped between your teeth and in your gums. Brushing in the morning may seem unnecessary because you’ve just been sleeping and not eating, the reason for doing this is so you can remove the acid and bacteria that has built up in your mouth overnight. Remember that 6 to 8 hours have passed since you last brushed your teeth – you might have been sleeping but the bacteria were not.

5. Choose Fluoride Toothpaste

Toothpastes come in many forms these days and contain a wide variety of ingredients, from flower extracts to baking sodas and everything else in between. Make sure you find and buy a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride toothpastes help to reduce the demineralization process that goes on in your mouth, thereby helping to reduce cavities in both children and adults. Fluoride is most effective against cavities and gum disease when it is applied directly to the teeth. If it used as directed and you minimize the amount of fluoride that you swallow, it is completely safe and effective.