A big part of your oral health is gum health. Your gums are vital supportive structures for your teeth, and it’s critical for your oral health to keep your gums in good condition. That’s why we’ve put together these five tips for healthier gums.
1. Floss, Floss, Floss Every Day for Healthier Gums!
If you ask your dentist if it’s important to floss your teeth, they will probably tell you, “Only the ones you want to keep.” Flossing doesn’t just help keep your teeth clean; it helps keep your gums healthy too.
Flossing helps remove plaque that can get trapped between your gums and tooth surfaces. Plaque contains bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum infections. To keep those gums pink and healthy, floss once a day. It’s best to do it at night, but if that’s not convenient, do it anytime during the day.
2. Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Mouthwash is good for more than just freshening your breath. It removes plaque from your gums too. But you want to be sure to use an antibacterial mouthwash to get the maximum benefit for healthier gums.
To be sure you’re getting a high-quality mouthwash, make sure it has the seal of official acceptance from the American Dental Association. The best mouthwashes contain the active ingredient cetyl-pyridinium chloride, which fights plaque and helps prevent and treat gingivitis.
3. See Your Dentist Regularly
While there is a lot you can do at home to take good care of your teeth, that doesn’t replace regular dental visits. Your dentist can clean places that your toothbrush and floss can’t reach. Your dental professional can clean below the gum line, and they can spot problems early and stop them in their tracks. Regular dental visits will help ensure your gum stay healthy.
4. Stop Smoking
Smoking isn’t just bad for your lungs; it’s bad for your oral health too. It weakens your immune system, which makes it easier for oral infections to get started. That also makes it more difficult for your gums to heal. Of course, smoking stains your teeth as well, so your smile isn’t as bright.
Using chewing tobacco is even worse than smoking because you place the tobacco right against your gums. That traps plaque against your teeth and gums, which increases the likelihood of decay.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat matters for your gums too. Starchy foods, particularly those that are full of sugar, are among the worst foods you can eat. The type of sugar contained in these foods combines with the plaque in your mouth to create an acid that promotes tooth decay. It’s best to avoid those types of foods and focus on adding healthy foods, like raw vegetables and fruits, that are high in fiber.
Those healthier foods stimulate saliva production to help clean your mouth. Dairy products are also good for your gums as they contain calcium to strengthen your teeth and gums and stimulate the production of good bacteria.
We’ve Got Answers!
If you still have more questions about how to keep your gums healthy, just give us a call today. At the office of Barry Buchanan, we’ve got answers, and we’re passionate about keeping your smile bright.