Introduction
If you want to keep your teeth healthy, it’s critical to keep your gums in mind as well.
It might surprise you to know that gum disease isn’t just a risk factor for tooth decay: it is also linked to health problems like lung and heart disease.
Ready to take care of your gums and reduce your risk of disease? Let’s dive into the 9 best ways to keep your gums healthy.
1. Brush With Flouride Toothpaste
One of the most important (and easy) ways to keep your gums healthy is to use fluoride toothpaste and brush at least twice daily.
While you may be tempted to reach for toothpaste products that claim to whiten your smile or provide other desirable benefits, keep in mind that fluoride is the essential ingredient.
Fluoride is antimicrobial, killing and preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Use a Toothbrush with Soft Bristles
Although other options are widely available, dentists strongly advise against using a toothbrush with anything other than soft bristles.
Toothbrushes with rough bristles can damage the protective enamel on your teeth and injure your gums, putting you at greater risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
3. Floss Regularly
Flossing can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, particularly if you experience sensitivity and bleeding when you do it.
However, flossing can reduce, eliminate, and prevent future bleeding and pain when you make it a regular habit. Removing the plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth makes it harder for harmful bacteria to grow.
4. Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
It’s crucial to visit your dentist every six months to get your teeth cleaned and checked for any issues.
A dental hygienist will polish your teeth and remove plaque and tartar buildup that resists daily brushing efforts.
During your visit, your dentist will also check your gums for signs of periodontal disease. If they have concerns, they will recommend treatments and at-home remedies depending on the severity of your problem.
5. Use Mouthwash
Using the right mouthwash helps eliminate harmful bacteria hiding below your gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Therapeutic mouthwashes are formulated to reduce plaque and tartar buildup that increases your risk of developing gum disease or cavities.
If you aren’t sure which type of mouthwash you should be using, speak with your dentist or dental hygienist for suggestions. Many effective mouthwash products that can keep your gums healthy are available over the counter (without a prescription).
6. Quit Smoking
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that smoking dramatically increases your likelihood of developing problems with your gums that may not be reversible.
If you smoke, try to quit as soon as possible to avoid developing or worsening gum disease.
You can use products like nicotine patches or gum to quit on your own or see a professional smoking cessation expert to come up with the plan that’s right for you.
7. Eat Healthy (Limit Sugar)
You probably already know that eating a healthy diet is good for your teeth, but it also benefits your gums.
Foods and drinks with high levels of sugar, starch, or refined carbohydrates leave a residue in your mouth that allows bacteria to grow more quickly and possibly cause gum disease.
If you indulge in a sugary soda or dessert after dinner, be sure to brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible. Don’t drink anything but water after you’ve cleaned your teeth before bedtime.
8. Wear a Mouth Guard or Night Guard
Wearing a mouth guard during the day or night while you sleep can have immense benefits for your overall oral health.
According to JS Dental Lab, inadvertently clenching or grinding (called bruxism) can damage your teeth and lead to severe gum disease.
Wearing a mouth guard or night guard prevents you from clenching or grinding your teeth and protects the overall health of your gums, teeth, and jaw.
9. Address Concerns Right Away
Do you notice any sensitivity or bleeding when you brush and floss your teeth?
Don’t wait to talk to your dentist about these issues because they are signs of possible gum disease which will only become more painful over time.
Some signs of gum disease are easily remedied and reversed, but serious cases may require professional procedures.
Speaking with a dentist right away may help you avoid the development of severe gum disease that can become irreversible.
Conclusion
Keeping your gums healthy is an important part of maintaining your overall oral and physical health.
It’s never too late to start with excellent oral hygiene habits, and the long-term benefits are worth the daily effort!
