How to Get Healthy Gums

One of the keys to keeping your mouth healthy is maintaining healthy gums. Gum disease is the top cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease starts as a mild condition. It is easy to reverse gum disease in the early stages. However, if you don’t treat it, it will eventually destroy the bone and tissue that supports the teeth.

You may have questions about improving your gum health or how to prevent gum disease. If so, there are some common steps you should consider if you’ve experienced the early signs of gum disease or you’d like to get out in front of any future issues. Read on to learn more.

Brush With Fluoridated Toothpaste

Fluorine helps strengthen your teeth. You need to brush for two minutes. Spend about 30 seconds in each of the four quadrants of your mouth. Replace your toothbrush every three months. If you have been sick, it is good to replace your toothbrush to prevent reinfection. It is also crucial for you to store your toothbrush correctly. Put it in a breathable but covered container (like a medicine cabinet or drawer) to prevent microorganisms from growing. You want your toothbrush to dry between uses and avoid being splashed by sinks or even toilets. 

Floss Regularly

Flossing is something that you need to do at least once a day. There are spots in your mouth that you may miss when brushing. You can reach those spots with your floss. It doesn’t matter when you floss. You can floss before breakfast, in the middle of the day, or before you go to bed. As long as you floss once a day, you benefit your oral health.

Use An Antibacterial Mouthwash

Mouthwash can do a lot more than just freshen your breath. It can also help maintain the health of your gums. Mouthwash will remove the plaque from your gums. It is important to remember that not all mouthwashes are equal. Make sure that you look for a mouthwash that has a seal from the American Dental Association.

Get Regular Dental Cleanings

Your dentist will be able to spot early symptoms of gum disease. They can perform a special cleaning that will remove plaque and tartar from your gums and teeth. Regular cleaning can also reverse gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. You should see your dentist twice a year, but you may need to see your dentist more often if you have a history of gum disease.

Stop Smoking

If you are a current smoker, you should quit smoking. There are several ways that smoking can hurt your gums. Smoking tends to weaken your immune system, making it harder for your gums to fight off an infection. It is also harder for damaged gums to heal if you are a smoker. Keep in mind that chewing tobacco is just as harmful as smoking, so it’s best to avoid that too. 

Watch Your Diet

Some foods can hurt and help your gums. Sticky, starchy, and sugary foods are some of the worst foods you can consume. The sugar from these foods can combine with plaque that creates an acid that causes tooth decay.

Rather than purely focusing on what to subtract from your diet, start focusing on healthy foods to add to your diet, like raw vegetables and fruits (carrots, cucumbers, celery, and apples are great choices). These crunchy foods high in fiber will stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleanses your mouth. 

Dairy products can also help keep your gums healthy. Most dairy products are a great source of calcium. This nutrient helps strengthen your teeth and gums. Dairy products also help encourage the production of beneficial bacteria.

Besides being great for your overall health, water is the best beverage you can drink if you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy. It’s sugar-free and helps wash away food particles that could lead to cavities if not cleared away.

It is best to avoid chewing sugar-sweetened gum because it can cause cavities. If you love to chew gum, try the sugar-free kind. Chewing sugar-free gum helps stimulate saliva production. It also helps prevent plaque from building up. Reducing plaque helps keep your gums healthy.

If you have questions about gum disease or require gum disease treatment in Southwest Michigan, please contact your local Fortson Dentistry office, and we can help you set up an appointment to discuss your options.