5 Ways to Maintain Healthy Gums

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When it comes to oral health, we pay attention to maintaining a perfect set of straight pearly whites. While this is essential, you can’t forget your gums. Your gums need as much attention. They house your teeth and hold them in place to give you a healthy smile. Unhealthy gums mean an unsafe house for your teeth. Follow the tips below to take care of your gums and have a long-lasting bright smile.

Tip # 1: Brush Your Teeth Properly

It’s a no brainer! It is essential to brush your teeth twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste and brush gently in circular motions. Brush at a 45-degree angle at your gums and replace your toothbrush every three months.

Tip # 2: Floss Everyday

The ADA recognizes flossing as an essential part of oral healthcare. Flossing removes the food particles and plaque between your teeth. Failure to do so can lead to buildup of tartar – hard build-up of bacteria on your gums – which only a dentist can remove. Take a foot-long of floss string and run it between and through your teeth in a gentle up-down motion. Ensure that the string doesn’t dig into your gums as it will cause bleeding.

Tip # 3: Eat the Right Foods

A man holding opening his mouth and holding a dental floss vertically

Eating can be a dental care practice if you eat what’s right. Crunchy foods like carrots, apples, and celery act as natural toothbrushes and gently massage your gums. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties to heal gum tissue and prevent gum diseases. Dairy contains bone-fortifying calcium that leads to restored tooth enamel and healthy gums. The fiber in leafy greens requires more chewing, which leads to more saliva production washing away harmful acids and maintaining healthy gums.

Tip # 4: Quit Smoking

man refusing an offer to smoke by a showing disapproval through his hand

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that smoking makes you susceptible to gum disease. Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it difficult for you to fight a gum disease, which can infect saliva producing glands in your mouth, exposing you to oral cancer.

Tip # 5: Get Regular Dental Checkups

Dental checkups usually include a professional teeth cleaning procedure. It is the only way to get rid of tartar. On your visits, your dentist may also be able to detect early signs of gum diseases before it can worsen.

If you’re in Cinnaminson, NJ, schedule an appointment with Rapha Dental. We offer affordable cosmetic dentistry New Jersey and professional services in cosmetic, NJ pediatrics, and restorative dentistry to give you a bright, healthy smile for years to come.