Practical Ways to Maintaining Healthy Gums
Maintaining healthy gums is important to your overall well-being. Sadly, too many Americans suffer from gum disease. This common ailment is an infection that can adversely affect the bone structure that supports your teeth.
Gum Disease Treatment in Tempe
Patients with severe cases of gum disease sometimes lose their teeth. If you want to do everything in your power to keep your gums healthy for life, consider adhering to the following simple tips.
Tips to Maintaining Healthy Gums
Brush Your Teeth Twice Each Day
Brushing your pearly whites twice each day helps you remove food particles and plaque wedged between your teeth and gums. Invest in soft bristled toothbrushes that fit in your mouth comfortably.
If your mouth is small, you might want to use a toothbrush designed for children instead of one made for adults. An electric toothbrush might reduce your risks of developing gingivitis more than a manual one. Acquire a new toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months. If your toothbrush is frayed, replace it immediately.
Healthy Gums Maintenance: Flossing Your Teeth Every Day
Brushing by itself won’t adequately keep your gums healthy. Flossing is also necessary and should be done a minimum of one time every day. Flossing removes food particles and plaque unreachable with a toothbrush. The time of day you choose to floss doesn’t matter. The important criteria is to choose a time that is most convenient for you. Perhaps when you get up in the morning or before going to bed at night.
Drink a Glass of Water after Mealtimes
Do you often indulge in something sugary after mealtimes? Instead of eating a dessert, consider drinking a glass of water. It will help you to feel full longer. Plus, drinking water after mealtimes can help to dislodge from your teeth and gums the foods you just ate.
Quit Smoking
Smoking negatively impacts your gum health. In fact, smoking doubles your risk of getting gum disease. This dangerous habit weakens your immune system. Smokers can’t fight off a gum infection as quickly as non-smokers.
Once they’re diagnosed with a gum problem, treatments often aren’t as effective for people who smoke. Any type of tobacco use increases your odds for succumbing to gum disease. So, regardless of whether you use cigarettes, pipes, or smokeless tobacco, your chances of developing gum disease skyrockets.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Dentists can detect the early signs of gum disease during an oral exam. If this happens, he or she can likely start treating it before it becomes serious. Thankfully, if you’re diagnosed with gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings at your dentist’s office can often reverse it.
Having your teeth professionally cleaned is the only way to remove stubborn tartar from them. During your cleaning at the dentist’s office, the dental hygienist can also rid your teeth of any plaque you might have missed at home.
Some people falsely assume oral health only encompasses their teeth. Unfortunately, this misconception may cause them to omit needed routines to keep healthy gums. If you want to keep your smile healthy for many years to come, consider following the tips listed above. Your gums will thank you.
Noble Dental Care is accepting new patients and would love to be your Tempe dentist. Call our office today for an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
