From teeth whitening to straightening teeth with braces, people put a lot of emphasis on the appearance of their teeth. What about the tissues that hold those teeth in place? That’s right, how about a little focus on keeping your gums healthy? Keep reading to see four ways to maintain healthy gums.
The Importance of Healthy Gums
It doesn’t matter how hard you work to keep your teeth healthy if you neglect your gums. Did you know that you can be cavity-free and still develop gum disease? It’s true—if you don’t pay enough attention to your gums, you could lose your pearly whites.
Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up around, and under, the gum line. Left unchecked, the plaque can cause infections, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Maintaining healthy gums is crucial to preserve your smile.
Four Ways to Help Your Gums
If you’re worried about your teeth, you probably already brush twice per day for two minutes, right? By adding a few extra steps to your daily oral care routine, you can give your gums a little love as well.
#1. Floss Daily
Flossing helps you remove food debris left between your teeth. You only need to do it once per day, and it’s up to you when you decide to floss.
#2. Add an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash can make a significant positive impact on your oral health. It washes away debris your toothbrush and floss can’t reach, reduces the amount of plaque on your teeth, and slows tartar buildup. Plus, it leaves your mouth feeling minty fresh.
#3. Embrace a Healthy Diet
You don’t have to cut out all of the fun stuff, but limiting sugary, sticky foods is a great way to limit the plaque buildup in your mouth.
Add in some crunchy greens, like celery and kale, for an extra boost. Not only do these foods contain helpful vitamins and minerals, they also help clean your teeth between brushings.
#4. See Your Dentist Regularly
Visiting your dentist every six months for check-ups and professional teeth cleanings is an important step toward healthier gums. Dental professionals are the only ones who can remove tartar buildup (hardened plaque deposits) and clean some of those hard to reach areas, which keeps your gums healthy.
Your dentist can also identify potential problem areas. The earlier you catch the signs of gum disease, the better your chances of reversing the effects.
If you’re concerned about your gums or know it’s time for a checkup, the team at Jefferson Dental and Orthodontics can help. Book an appointment online with the office nearest you!