Good oral health is important so you can fully enjoy life. If you’re wondering how to keep your gums healthy, continue reading. Coast Family Dental is passionate about good oral hygiene because we care about our customers. If you want to prevent gum disease and avoid the plaque and tartar that causes tooth loss, call us; we can help you achieve healthy gums.
Signs of Gum Disease
Keep aware of the following signs you may have gum disease:
- Gums that bleed when you brush, eat, or touch them
- Gums that look swollen, red, or inflamed
- A receding gumline
- Bad breathe, even after you brush
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Tenderness or sensitivity when you bite down
- Teeth that are loose, moving, wiggling, or falling out
Tips for Keeping Your Gums Healthy
Are you wondering how to keep your gums healthy? Use these tips.
Floss
The space between your teeth is vulnerable to plaque buildup, and your brush can’t reach there because of how tight it is. To improve your gum health, floss daily to prevent plaque buildup. It doesn’t matter when you floss, so do it when it’s most convenient for your routine.
Schedule Regular Cleanings
Visit the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings. Even if you have excellent brushing and flossing at home, professional cleanings provide an extra level of protection. The dentist can also identify early signs of gum disease and help treat it before it becomes serious.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is bad for your overall health, but it causes some serious problems in your mouth as well. Doctors have established a strong correlation between smoking and gum disease.
Smoking also weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight the bacteria that are born from plaque or heal after an injury occurs.
Brush Well
For maximum benefits, brush twice a day for at least two minutes. Meticulously scrub every area of your mouth, including your tongue, which can harbour bacteria.
For even better results, consider purchasing an electric toothbrush. Change your toothbrush, or its detachable head, every three to four months, or sooner if you see frayed bristles.
Use the Right Toothpaste
Some toothpastes are better than others. For the best results, choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride and has ADA approval. Flavour and colour don’t matter, but remember, no matter how good it tastes, you should swallow as little as possible.
Use Quality Mouthwash
Find a good therapeutic mouthwash and use it after you brush. Look for the ADA seal of approval for the best and safest mouthwashes.
Maintain a Good Diet
What you eat greatly affects your oral health. Fruits and crunchy vegetables can help clean your teeth as you eat them, so pick up an apple and chew away. Drink lots of water to wash away plaque and increase your saliva. Consume foods high in calcium to fortify your teeth.
If you’re wondering how to keep your gums healthy, schedule an appointment with our compassionate and well-trained dentists. Call Coast Family Dental at (07) 5437 9000 in to book an appointment today.
