At-Home Care Tips for Healthy Gums

When we think of oral hygiene, we think of brushing our teeth. While this is an important part of a good hygiene routine, we need to think about our whole mouth, including healthy gums.

If we don’t keep our gums healthy, it can lead to serious problems further down the line, like gum disease. Gum disease can escalate and lead to critical complications, like heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.  

We’ve put together some tips for things you can do at home to maintain healthy gums

Brush Your Teeth Properly

Brushing your teeth is an obvious one, but there are still some things to know when it comes to brushing your teeth and maintaining healthy gums. Brushing your teeth is important, as it helps remove any food and plaque that gets stuck in your teeth and gums. Using an electric toothbrush can also help decrease the chance of gum disease. 

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and make sure to replace it every 3-4 months. The best way to brush is gently and with short strokes at a 45-degree angle. 

Flossing 

While you’re brushing your teeth, make flossing a part of your routine for healthy gums. Flossing at least once a day will prevent the build up of tartar by removing food and plaque from between your gums and teeth. 

It doesn’t matter so much when you floss, just as long as you do it, but it’s easier to integrate it into your teeth brushing regime, so you don’t forget. 

Make Sure Your Toothpaste has Fluoride 

With so many different kinds of toothpaste to choose from, it’s hard to know what’s best for healthy gums. It’s important that the toothpaste you buy contains fluoride, a natural mineral that helps prevent cavities. You should also check for the ADA seal of approval.

Mouthwash

Add mouthwash to your oral hygiene list for healthy gums. Therapeutic mouthwashes are a great way to reduce plaque and prevent gum disease. 

Rinsing your mouth out also helps to get rid of any food debris left behind. However, you must continue to brush and floss, as using mouthwash doesn’t replace those two habits. 

Maintain a Healthy Diet 

Eating healthy and nutritious food will impact healthy gums. Like with the rest of your body, different foods have different influences on your gums. 

Eating high fiber fruit and vegetables is great at cleaning the mouth, while dairy products can increase saliva, and black and green teas help with bacteria reduction. Carbonated soft drinks, which contain acids and sugar, should be avoided, along with alcohol and too many sweets. 

Smoking can also cause gum disease, so stopping smoking will contribute to healthy gums too. 

Book a Dental Appointment 

Caring for your teeth and gums at home is crucial to the health of your mouth. Book an appointment with us today for a healthy gum checkup. 

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