The most crucial step a person can take to prevent and treat gum disease is to practise proper dental hygiene. When it comes to oral health, most people opt to ignore their gums in favour of obtaining a pearly-white smile. However, healthy gums are necessary for healthy teeth.
Tooth loss can result from gum disease. Fortunately, there are several things one may take to stop gum disease or even reverse it. Here are some tips to help you maintain healthy gums.
1. Floss
At least once each day, floss. According to the ADA, this aids in removing plaque and food particles that are difficult for your toothbrush to reach. It makes no difference when you floss. Just do it—do it at night, in the morning, or after lunch.
2. Schedule routine dental cleanings.
If you visit your dentist regularly, they can spot early signs of gum disease. In this manner, symptoms can be addressed before they worsen. Only a professional cleaning can get rid of tartar. Additionally, it can remove any plaque that was missed when brushing or flossing. Brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings can all help treat gingivitis.
3. Give up smoking.
Smoking has a direct correlation to the development of gum disease, which is yet another reason for smokers to give up. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking depletes your immune system, which makes it more difficult for you to fight off a gum infection. Additionally, smoking makes it more difficult for your injured gums to recover.
4. Twice daily brush
After every meal, brush your teeth. This aids in removing plaque and food particles stuck between your teeth and gums. Also brush your tongue because it may contain germs. Your toothbrush should be comfortable to use in your mouth and have gentle bristles.
Think about using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush. More so than manual brushing, they can aid in the reduction of gingivitis and plaque. Every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles begin to tear, swap toothbrushes or toothbrush heads.
5. Use toothpaste with fluoride.
There are several toothpaste brands on the market that make the claims to treat gingivitis, improve breath quality, and whiten teeth. Which one is best for maintaining healthy gums? Make sure you use fluoride-containing toothpaste that bears the ADA mark of approval. The flavour and colour are then entirely up to you!
Fluoride-containing toothpaste is available online.
6. Make use of a healing mouthwash
According to the ADA, therapeutic mouthwashes, which are often sold over the counter, can help decrease plaque, prevent or treat gingivitis, slow the rate at which tartar forms, or a combination of these advantages. Plus: Although it can’t replace brushing or flossing, rinsing your mouth out can help eliminate food particles and other detritus.
