Gums are equally important as your mouth and teeth. Swollen or bleeding gums along with pain, teeth sensitivity, even bad breath could mean something negative. These are warning signs of gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. If neglected, it could lead to periodontitis.
To prevent acquiring any serious gum disease, you need a good oral care routine to follow.
6 Tips in Keeping Gums Healthy
The key to practicing good oral hygiene is discipline. Follow these consistently:
Regularly brush your teeth
Proper brushing on a daily basis is one step towards a healthy mouth.
Do this a minimum of 2 times. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush but if possible, buy an electric toothbrush as it’s proven to be more effective.
Use dentist-recommended toothpaste with fluoride component.
Brush at an angle of 45-degrees while moving it back and forth. Make sure to cover all surfaces: outer, inner, chewing, tongue, mouth’s roof, and inside your cheeks.
Remind yourself to replace your toothbrush once bristle wear or after every 3 to 4 months.
Do floss daily
Your toothbrush can’t do all the work. Dental floss is also a must-have. Flossing gets rid of food particles left between teeth near the gum line.
Rinse mouth with a therapeutic mouthwash
You can find two types of mouthwash over the counter: cosmetic and therapeutic.
Therapeutic mouthwash is beneficial in holding off plaque and tartar buildup. It removes the remaining food particles inside your mouth in a swish. Note, however, to use mouthwash only in addition to brushing and flossing.
Regular dental checkup and cleaning
The wellbeing of your mouth doesn’t fall just upon yourself. It’s also a responsible move to have a regular dental visit. On average, it’s advisable to go twice a year.
Book an appointment with your dentist in Fountain Hills for holistic dental care.
Quit tobacco use
Smoking affects countless body parts and functions. Most likely, the mouth will be the initial recipient of any diseases it might cause. Quitting this vice will do you a lot of good.
Choose healthier food options
You can protect your gums by drinking plenty of water to induce saliva and wash acid from your mouth. You should also eat healthier foods such as:
- It helps counter E.coli and Salmonella bacteria.
- Green leafy vegetables. They are vitamin-C rich, which helps reduce gum inflammation.
- Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. These foods clean your mouth and stimulate saliva.
- Dairy products. They contain “casein”, a protein that helps reduce tissue loss, which prevents dental erosion. The calcium and phosphates help rebuild tooth enamel.
- Black and green tea. These teas contain a substance called “polyphenols” that act as an antioxidant that neutralizes toxic free radicals and kills bacteria
Meanwhile, you should minimize the intake of these:
Carbonated or Soft beverage. They contain loads of sugar along with phosphoric and citric contents that contribute to dental erosion.
Sweet sticky candies. They have a lot of refined sugar. It turns form into plaque when not cleaned properly
Starchy foods. These foods can easily get stuck between your teeth and may lead to cavities if not thoroughly brushed off.
Alcohol. Too much intake is never healthy, and it’s been said to cause several dental problems or even oral cancer.