How to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Keeping your teeth healthy, white, and shiny may seem like the only responsibility when it comes to maintaining optimum oral health. However, maintaining gums is equally, if not more important, than maintaining teeth.

The biggest risk gums pose is the possibility of developing gum disease. Since the early stages of gum disease or periodontitis are painless and not very obvious, it is easy for it to go unnoticed.

Thus, it is important to take constant care of not only your teeth but also your gums. Here’s how you can go about it:

• Brush Twice a Day

Brush your teeth at least twice a day or after every meal if possible. Doing this helps flush out food debris. It is also important to scrub your tongue to get rid of any bacteria residing on the tongue.

• Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Although several kinds of toothpaste claim to reduce gum disease, only pick a fluoride toothpaste that has ADA’s seal of acceptance. The flavor and color can be chosen as per your preference.

• Floss

Make it a habit to floss every day as it helps get rid of food particles in hard-to-reach areas. You may do it after every meal for maximum benefit.

• Use Mouthwash

Therapeutic mouthwashes can prevent gum disease, eliminate plaque, and slow tartar growth. Additionally, rinsing your mouth aids in removing certain light foodstuff stuck in between teeth.

• Go for Regular Checkups

Visiting the dentist regularly will help you keep a tab on your oral health. The dentist will clean any tartar buildup reversing the possibility of developing periodontitis.

• Quit Smoking

The ADA lists smoking and chewing tobacco as factors that increase the risk of gum disease. Smoking weakens the immune system and makes it easy for gum infection to develop. So, chart out a plan to quit smoking and using tobacco products. You may seek help from the dentist too.

The key to maintaining good oral health is to get rid of harmful bacteria and prevent tartar buildup. So, simply build a routine to keep your mouth clean and pay visits to the dentist once every six months.