Globally, gum disease affects 19% of the adult population. Why should you care about having healthy gums? And why do you need to see a dentist in Pekin, IL, if your gums start to look red and swollen? Achieving optimal oral health is impossible if you only care about your teeth.
Your gums are just as important since they support your teeth and nourish your roots. Additionally, gums protect your overall health by acting as a barrier that prevents bacteria from entering your bloodstream. When your gums are not properly cared for, you are susceptible to gum disease and other gum-related medical conditions.
How to Achieve and Maintain Healthy Gums
Maintaining healthy gums is essential for a healthy mouth. Good oral hygiene habits can help keep your gums in tip-top shape. However, gum disease, a common condition that affects millions of people, can cause gum recession, inflammation, infection, and tooth loss if it isn’t treated.
The following tips maintain your gum health:
- Brush twice a day
One of the most important things you can do to make your gums healthy is to brush your teeth twice daily. When brushing, choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride-based toothpaste. Be gentle when brushing. Use circular strokes and pay special attention to your gum line to remove plaque. Plaque is a yellowish film of bacteria that can cause gum disease.
- Floss daily
Besides brushing, one of the best things you can do to protect your gums is to include flossing in your oral care routine. Ideally, you are encouraged to floss once daily before bedtime. Flossing is an effective way of dislodging plaque and food debris that have lodged between your teeth and along the gumline. These areas are difficult to reach, making them prone to plaque buildup. If you have a hard time flossing, consider using an interdental toothbrush.
• Rinse With a Mouthwash
You can also use an anti-gingivitis mouthwash to kill oral bacteria that are responsible for causing plaque. Besides keeping your gums healthy, mouthwashes also have other benefits, like keeping your enamel strong, protecting your teeth against cavities, and removing surface stains. Swish the mouthwash for 30 seconds, then spit it out—no need to rinse.
- Use a Gum Stimulator
Gum stimulators are everywhere. You can find them in almost all drug stores in your area. It’s a handheld device with a rubber tip that you’ll use to stimulate your gums to improve circulation. Regular use of a gum stimulator minimizes your risk of gum disease.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
Your choice of foods and drinks may predispose you to gum disease. Foods containing sugars and starches encourage plaque formation. As much as possible, limit your consumption of these foods. Instead of sugary drinks like fruit juices and sodas, ditch them for water.
- Quit smoking
Are you aware smoking is one of the leading causes of gum disease? Aside from destroying your gums, smoking also increases your risk of oral cancer and other health problems. If you’re a chronic smoker, try to quit the habit. If you’re struggling to quit, there are plenty of available resources and programs to help you overcome your smoking addiction.
See Your Dentist in Pekin, IL, for a Consultation
Maintaining healthy gums requires a combination of good oral hygiene practices and regular dental care. When you follow these oral care tips, you can keep your gums healthy and your smile bright and beautiful for years to come. We're here for you if you have any concerns about your gum health.
At Smalltown Dental, we offer affordable dental treatments to help restore your oral health. Contact us for an appointment.
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