6 Tips For Healthy Gums

We all know that brushing your teeth everyday is recommended by dentists. Regular brushing is important to keep your teeth healthy and white. But did you know that there are more benefits to tooth brushing than just a whiter smile?

Brushing your teeth regularly keeps your gums healthy as well as your teeth by brushing away unwanted bacteria and plaque that can accumulate in your mouth and cause inflammation and gum disease. Yes, bacteria and plaque are the major causes of tooth decay, but they also affect your mouth (and even your body!) in more ways that just causing cavities.  It is also important to remember that having cavity free teeth does not necessarily mean you have healthy gums. 

So why is important to have healthy gums? How do your keep your gums healthy? Keep reading to find out how to improve and maintain your periodontal (that’s dental speak for “gums”) health.

For more information on what dentists call the “Mouth-Body Connection”, read our blog article on the topic.

Why are healthy gums important?

Research increasingly shows that keeping teeth and gums healthy helps reduce inflammation, control early signs of diabetes and can even help people resist infections. Gum disease begins when plaque builds up under and along the gum line. You usually cannot feel this build up, so it is important to have regular check ups with your dentist.  

According to the American Dental Association, signs that you might have gum disease include:

  • Consistently bad taste or breath

  • Separating or loose permanent teeth

  • Gums that easily bleed

  • Gums that are swollen, red or tender

  • Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

The good news is that gum disease is preventable. Below are some important steps you can take to keep your gums healthy. 

 
Healthy gums come from healthy habits; follow these 6 tips from WoodSprings Dentistry to keep healthy gums
 

Tips for Keeping Your Gums Healthy

  1. Avoid Smoking -  Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease. Since smoking weakens your immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off a gum infection. The weakened immune system can make it more difficult for your gums to heal from an infection or disease. 

  2. Healthy Brushing - One of the healthy habits that you can incorporate to improve healthy gums is brushing your teeth twice a day. Brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush will help to control bacterial plaque buildup that can accumulate. Brushing after every meal helps remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. 

  3. Correct Flossing - Flossing at least once a day to remove bacterial plaque and debris left from food will help to prevent gum disease. The floss should be inserted between your teeth gently. Next, curve the floss in a “C” shape around each tooth, gently moving it against the tooth and below the gum line in an up-and-down motion.  Pro-tip: Use a new section of floss between each tooth so that you don’t put germs back in your mouth. 

  4. Use Mouthwash- Rinsing with a mouthwash can help reduce plaque and prevent or remove gingivitis. Although rinsing helps remove food particles and debris from your mouth, please remember that using mouthwash is not a substitute for flossing or brushing. Brushing, flossing and rinsing all work together to create healthy habits and a healthy mouth.

  5. Healthy Diet - Pack your meals with dark leafy greens, like spinach and kale. These are rich in Vitamin C that helps reduce inflammation. This anti-inflammatory effect can make your gums less susceptible to swelling and infections. Dairy products, including milk, cheese and yogurt are good for your gums as well, they contain a protein called casein, which keeps tooth enamel strong. 

  6. Visit Your Dentist Regularly - Your dentist can detect early signs of gum disease symptoms. The dentist can make sure that any symptoms are treated before they become more serious. Plus, once buildup occurs, a professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar from your gum line, which will improve the health of your gums. 

If you are looking for a dentist in The Woodlands, TX or Spring, TX who provides comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry for the entire family, then call WoodSprings Dentistry today. Our dentists, Drs. Samantha and James Tejada, provide periodontal care and restorative dentistry for patients suffering from gum inflammation or disease. Our dentists can also consult on various tooth replacement options, such as dental implants or dentures, if infected or diseased gums have led to tooth loss. Request an appointment online or call our office to schedule your next dental visit today.

Joelle Allen