You can improve your gum health by brushing and flossing your teeth every day.
You know how important it is to care for your teeth, and to maintain a firm bite and a beautiful smile. But caring for your gums is just as essential for your smile and your overall health. Without proper gum care, several conditions could arise that will affect the look and health of your entire mouth. Read on to learn why healthy gums are so important and how you can improve your gum health in as little as five minutes.
The Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease is complicated because you may not even know you have it. Early-stage gum disease isn’t always apparent and doesn’t cause intense pain. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults and starts with plaque buildup. This plaque hardens into tartar, and your gums become swollen. However, you can reverse early-stage gum disease or gingivitis with a 5-minute at-home process.
If gingivitis develops into periodontitis, you will need professional treatment. Periodontitis can result in periodontal pockets and bone loss, which leads to tooth loss. You should talk to your dentist immediately if you experience:
- Bleeding gums
- Red or swollen gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
How to Improve Gum Health
You can improve your gum health and reverse gingivitis with a few simple steps. These steps are also helpful for keeping your teeth healthy and decay-free. For five minutes each day, do the following:
- Clean between your teeth with floss or an interdental product to remove plaque
- Brush with plaque-removing fluoride toothpaste. If you’re using a manual toothbrush, remember to use a 45-degree angle towards the gumline. Use short strokes, and brush the front and back of your teeth as well as your tongue.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup
Long-Term Care
To maintain your gum health, you should continue to brush twice a day for two minutes each time. Spend about 30 seconds on each quarter of your teeth. To ensure that your dental health routine is working, visit your dentist regularly for checkups. While there, you will also receive professional cleanings that remove every last bit of plaque.
In addition to your cleaning routine, you can also make lifestyle changes to improve your gum health. You can:
- Limit sugary, sticky, and starchy foods. These foods encourage bacteria to produce acids that lead to tooth decay.
- Avoid cigarettes and tobacco products, which weaken your immune system.
By remembering these tips, you can establish a dental routine that works every day to improve your gum health and ensure long-lasting dental wellbeing.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Dental Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.