Healthy gums are an important part of maintaining a healthy smile. While brushing twice a day is essential, good oral health involves more than brushing alone.
Plaque can accumulate around and between the teeth, contributing to inflammation of the gums. Early gum disease, known as gingivitis, may cause redness, swelling or bleeding. If gum disease progresses, it can damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
Fortunately, there are simple habits you can follow every day to help keep your gums healthy.
1. Brush Thoroughly—But Gently
Brushing twice a day helps remove plaque from your teeth and along the gumline. But how you brush matters.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure. Brushing aggressively doesn’t clean your teeth better and may contribute to gum recession and tooth sensitivity over time.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for approximately two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you reach the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth rather than rushing through the process.
You should also replace your toothbrush—or electric toothbrush head—approximately every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
2. Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay.
When choosing a toothpaste, look for one that contains fluoride and has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Unless your dentist recommends otherwise, fluoride toothpaste is appropriate for most adults as part of their everyday oral hygiene routine.
While fluoride primarily helps protect your teeth from cavities, preventing tooth decay is an important part of maintaining your overall oral health.
3. Clean Between Your Teeth Every Day
A toothbrush cannot effectively clean every surface between your teeth.
Cleaning between the teeth once a day helps remove plaque and food debris from areas your toothbrush may not reach. Traditional dental floss works well for many people, but interdental brushes, floss holders or water flossers may be easier or more appropriate for some patients.
The important thing is finding a method that you can use properly and consistently.
If your gums bleed when you floss, don’t automatically stop flossing. Occasional bleeding can result from technique, but persistent bleeding can also be a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease and should be evaluated by a dentist.
4. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks
Frequently exposing your teeth to sugar gives cavity-causing bacteria more opportunities to produce acids that attack tooth enamel.
It’s not only the amount of sugar that matters—the frequency of exposure matters too. Constantly sipping sugary beverages or snacking throughout the day can repeatedly expose your teeth to these acids.
Try to limit frequent sugary snacks and drinks, drink plenty of water, and maintain your regular brushing and interdental cleaning routine.
5. Keep Up With Your Dental Visits
Even excellent home care doesn’t replace professional dental care.
Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to look for signs of tooth decay, gum inflammation and other oral health problems. Professional cleanings can also remove hardened tartar that cannot be removed with a toothbrush or floss at home.
How often you need an examination or cleaning isn’t necessarily the same for everyone. Your dentist may recommend a schedule based on your oral health, history of gum disease, cavity risk and other individual factors.
When Should You See a Dentist About Your Gums?
Contact your dentist if you notice persistent:
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gum recession
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
Early gum disease can sometimes cause very few symptoms, which is another reason regular dental examinations are important.
Keep Your Gums Healthy
Healthy gums aren’t the result of one special product or technique. Consistent brushing, daily cleaning between the teeth, a balanced diet and appropriate professional dental care work together.
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums or other concerns, Rapha Dental provides preventive and gum disease treatment in Cinnaminson, New Jersey.
Contact Rapha Dental to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Huh and our team.