Top Care Tips for Healthy Gums

Top Care Tips for Healthy Gums

By: Hillside Dental
Posted on: September 14, 2022

A healthy mouth is more than having a bright smile or straight teeth. Even with cavity-free teeth, you may still be susceptible to gum disease. It is easy to forget about your gum health during your day-to-day brushing duties. 

 

Plaque that builds up on and under your gumline can cause gum disease. The sticky bacteria film can lead to infections affecting your gums and bone. As a result, this can cause tooth decay and ultimately lead to gum disease. 

 

Gingivitis develops from plaque and is the earliest stage of gum disease. It leads to red, inflamed, tender, and swollen gums. Your gums will be prone to bleeding. Fortunately, the damage can be reversed as it does not impact your bone and the tissue that holds your teeth.

 

Advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis, can damage your gums, tissues, and bones that hold your teeth. It can also affect your bite. Fortunately, you can prevent gum disease from developing by practicing the right habits. Read the tips below to maintain healthy gums.

 

Floss Daily

Flossing your teeth is an ADA-approved practice essential for oral care. It helps remove plaque and food particles between your gums and teeth. If unremoved, they can cause bacteria called tartar that a dentist can remove before it leads to gum disease.

Brush Your Teeth Properly

How you brush your teeth can determine your gum and oral health. Below are some of the guidelines from the American Dental Association (ADA) about how to properly brush teeth:

 

• Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush

• Replace your toothbrush after three to four months or as soon as the bristles fray

• Use short strokes while brushing

• Brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums

• Press your toothbrush gently

• Turn your toothbrush vertically when brushing the insides of your incisors
  
   

Use Mouthwash

Therapeutic mouthwash is the best for maintaining healthy gums. It reduces the buildup speed of tartar, prevents gum disease, and reduces plaque. The mouthwash can also remove food particles from your mouth.

Ideally, always check for an ADA seal to assure you about the effectiveness and safety of the product. It is essential to note that children below six should not use mouthwash. Additionally, do not neglect to floss or brush to use your mouthwash as a replacement.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Choosing the appropriate type of toothpaste can help maintain healthy gums. Most of the toothpaste brands on shelves claim to whiten teeth, freshen breath, and reduce gingivitis. However, you can get the best if it has an ADA acceptance seal and contains fluoride. Choosing the color and flavor is up to you.

 

Regular Dental Checkups

Regular dental checkups entail professional dental cleanings to eliminate plaque or tartar. Your dentist can detect gingivitis or gum disease during its early stages. Doing so can prevent severe problems.

 

Stop Smoking

Smoking puts you at high risk for gum disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) talk about how your immune system weakens when you smoke. You also become more susceptible to gum disease because of smoking. The CDC encourages most people to reduce their risk for gum disease by quitting smoking. 

For more tips for maintaining healthy gums, contact Hillside Dental at our office in Las Vegas, Nevada. Call (702) 895-7799 (existing patients) or (702) 666-8584 (new patients) to book an appointment today