Oral health is so important, but it’s not just about those pearly whites. If you want a winning smile, you can’t skip gum care when brushing.
Gum disease (periodontal disease) affects over 47.2 percent of adults over 30 in the US alone. This can lead to looser gums, loss of bone, and even cause teeth to fall out.
So if you want a guide on caring for your gums, this article will teach you the four steps for healthy gums.
1. Regular Checkups With Your Dentist
Seeing a dentist every six months will make sure that your gums are in good health. They are able to remove any build-up of plaque that can get stuck around the gum line and between the teeth.
Plaque build-up is a leading cause of how gum disease can start. Professional and regular cleaning of your teeth gets to those hard-to-reach spots that brushing alone can’t always get to.
If you want to find the best dentist in the South Philly area, click the link to learn more.
2. Regular Flossing
Everybody has an opinion on flossing. And many people do not floss enough for it to be effective.
People should floss at least once a day between the gaps in their teeth to remove any food or plaque build-up.
The best device for flossing is to get some interdental brushes. You can position them easily in your mouth and remove more plaque than regular floss.
They also come in a range of sizes so you can adjust the brush for the back molars as well as the front teeth.
The back molars tend to have more of a gap, therefore a wider brush needs to be used.
3. Brushing Your Teeth Twice A Day
For the best results for gum health, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
Here are some top tips for brushing and keeping healthy gums:
- Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, this ensures your gums get cleaned.
- Move the brush in a circular motion.
- Don’t just clean the front teeth, move the brush around your mouth and pay attention to the back teeth. This is where cavities often develop.
- Don’t brush too hard on the gums as you can damage the soft tissue.
- Gently brush your tongue each time. This is where bacteria can grow and transfer to your gums.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
4. Watch What You Eat
Foods that are high in sugars or natural sugars can be harsh on the gums and contribute to periodontal disease.
Sugary sweets, chocolates, and candies should only be eaten in moderation.
This is as well as fizzy drinks and fruit juices that can erode your gums and play havoc on your gum health.
Also, be mindful of red meats that can get stuck in your gums if you don’t floss and remove the food build-up.
Guide To Gum Care: What Next?
We hope this guide on how to perfect your gum care routine has given you plenty to consider.
Regular and consistent gum care is the way for a good standard of oral hygiene. Whatever you do, don’t forget to floss!
If you enjoyed this article and want to read more like this, check out our other blog posts.
