If you haven’t been giving your gums the care and attention they deserve – then you may want to consider starting. Our gums do a lot to protect us from infections, gum disease, bone loss, tooth loss, and even oral cancers. Gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss, and it’s more common than you might think. The CDC estimates that nearly half of all adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, but you don’t have to be one of them. Gum disease can be prevented and even reversed with proper care. Since September is National Gum Care Month – we thought it was time to share our best tips for gum health.
Keeping Your Gums in Tip-Top Shape
Gentle brushing and daily flossing is the best way to keep your gums—and teeth—healthy. Never underestimate the power of dental floss! Plaque between your teeth leads to gum inflammation and infections below the gumline. If you have a hard time with string floss, using a water flosser will make things easier and help keep your gums healthy.
Besides brushing and flossing, here are some more ways you can keep your gums healthy.
Five Tips for Healthy Gums
- Mouthwash. Mouthwash has antimicrobial ingredients that kill the bacteria that cause plaque and inflammation. If you have receding gums from gingivitis, mouthwash can also help you fight gum disease. It reaches into the pockets between your teeth and gums and flushes out the bacteria hiding there.
- Brush Your Tongue. Your tongue can also harbor bacteria if you don’t clean it every day. Gentle brushing releases the bacteria trapped in the biofilm on your tongue. Mouthwash only kills bacteria on the surface layer, so don’t forget to brush your tongue after you brush your teeth and gums.
- Replace Your Toothbrush. When was the last time you bought a new toothbrush? If it was more than three months ago, or if the bristles on your current brush are looking splayed and worn, it’s time for a new one. One good way to keep track of your toothbrush replacement schedule is to set a reminder on your phone so you don’t forget.
- Drink More Water. A hydrated mouth is a healthy mouth! Drinking water after meals or snacks washes away any food debris that would otherwise get stuck to your teeth and gums. It also rinses away the bacteria that cause plaque and infections. Drinking water even helps prevent dry mouth, one of the main risk factors for gum disease.
- Schedule a Cleaning. Overdue for a dental checkup? Your dentist or hygienist can spot any early signs of gum disease when you come in for a cleaning. Besides removing built-up plaque and tartar, they can also provide other preventative treatments, like scaling and planing or laser therapy.
Start with a Dental Cleaning in Seguin, Texas
The team at Premier Dental Group Seguin wants to help you keep your gums healthy! If your gums are tender, swollen, or bleeding, you should see our provider right away – as this is a dental emergency! We offer a full scope of periodontal treatments and provide gentle dental cleanings to help you prevent, or reverse gum disease. Schedule a visit today.