8 Tips For Taking Better Care Of Your Gums

There's more to great oral care than brushing your teeth. In order to maintain a healthy mouth, it is important to take good care of your gums too. If you neglect your gums, you put yourself at risk of developing gum disease.

Approximately half of Americans adults have gum disease. This oral health condition can lead to tooth loss, diabetes complications and even heart disease. Here are eight tips for taking better care of your gums.

Brush at the Gumline

During your brushing routine, you shouldn't just brush the surfaces of your teeth. You should also brush the gum line because that is where gum disease begins. Plaque can quickly accumulate in this area and negatively affect your oral health. Just place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle so that it hits your teeth and gum line at the same time.

Increase Vitamin C Intake

Vitamin C is well-known for boosting the immune system and preventing illnesses. This vitamin does not just prevent the common cold. It can also reduce infections in your gums. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, papaya, strawberries and kiwis.

Clean Your Tongue

There is more bacteria on your tongue than you think. If you do not remove this bacteria, it can transfer to your gums and cause an infection. Every morning, remember to remove the plaque from your tongue with a tongue scraper. If you do not have a tongue scraper, you can just use your toothbrush.

Stop Smoking

It is not a secret anymore that smoking is detrimental to your health. If you smoke tobacco, you can even do serious damage to your gums. The chemicals in cigarettes can prevent nutrients from getting to your gums and increase your risk of a gum infection. If you quit the habit, you can save your gums and improve your overall health.

Do Not Ignore Signs of Gum Disease

If you notice that your gums are more swollen than normal or bleed when you brush your teeth, it may be a cause for concern. Make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible. He or she can evaluate your gums and determine if treatment is necessary.

For example, if you have mild gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. If your gum disease is at an advanced stage, your dentist may suggest pocket reduction surgery or gums grafts.

Do not Use the Same Piece of Floss

Remember to use a different piece of floss every time you floss between two teeth. If you use the same piece of floss, bacteria can spread and increase your risk of a gum infection.

Avoid Skipping Dental Visits

If you are busy or your teeth and gums seem fine, you may be tempted to skip a dental checkup. Do not make this mistake. During a dental cleaning and checkup, the dentist will check for signs of gum disease that you may have missed. If your dentist determines that you have gum disease, you can get it treated right away.

Remember to Use Mouthwash

Another way to take good care of your gums is to use mouthwash regularly. If you gargle mouthwash after brushing your teeth, you can get rid of a lot of bacteria in your mouth.  

Gum disease has negative side effects, so it is best to prevent it in the first place. If you follow these useful tips, you can maintain healthy gums and reduce your risk gum disease. However, if you still develop gum disease, there are many treatment options available. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss these treatment in detail.

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