How Healthy Are Your Gums

When it comes to the health of your mouth, most people tend to focus on their teeth. While straight, bright white teeth are a sign of oral health, it is crucial that you do not overlook your gum health. Gum disease can pose a whole host of problems related to much more than just your smile. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, internal infections, and serious medical diseases such as diabetes, heart failure, miscarriage, and premature birth.

You can take several steps to get your gums healthy and prevent, even reverse, gum disease. Healthy habits can go a long way to protect your smile.

• Floss Daily – Flossing is the most important habit that you can do for your smile. Flossing removes dental plaque from between the teeth and gums and food particles that become stuck between the teeth. If plaque and food remain at the gum line or between the teeth, it will lead to tartar buildup and gum infection.
• Brush Your Teeth Properly – The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle, pressing gently on the gum line, and using short strokes.
• Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly – You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Plaque, germs, and small food particles can build up on your toothbrush. You need to make sure that you use a clean toothbrush to clean your mouth.
• Choose the Right Toothpaste – While it is easy to choose a toothpaste based on your favorite flavor, you need to look at the ingredients. Make sure you choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of approval on the packaging.
• Use Mouthwash – If your gums are swollen or irritated, you can use a mouthwash with the ADA seal of approval to help reduce the amount of dental plaque inside your mouth. Mouthwash should never be used as a substitution for brushing or flossing, but it can be an added benefit to your oral health.
• Get Regular Dental Checkups – Visiting your dentist regularly allows your dentist to thoroughly clean your mouth while also evaluating your oral health. Professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar buildup and eliminate plaque buildup that naturally occurs.
• Stop Bad Habits – Smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol all pose threats to your oral (and overall) health. Tobacco and alcohol make you more susceptible to gum disease because they weaken the immune system and cause oral irritation.

Contact Feather Touch Dental Care to learn more.

Posted on Behalf of Feather Touch Dental Care