If you do not take care of your gums, it could lead to tooth decay and expensive dental procedures.
Maintaining healthy oral hygiene is the first and most important thing you can do to prevent gum disease. However, many people focus on their teeth and neglect their gums, failing to realize that they are essential to maintaining a beautiful smile. Your gums hold your teeth together and protect them from damage. If you do not take care of your gums, it could lead to tooth decay and expensive dental procedures. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy gums.
Floss Regularly
When food gets stuck in between teeth and is not cleaned soon enough, it mixes with saliva and bacteria to form plaque. It is vital that you clean any debris from between your teeth after eating. Flossing helps you remove food particles left between your teeth. It is recommended to floss your teeth at least once a day to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Mouthwash is another critical tool in combating the constant buildup of bacteria in your mouth. It rinses away the plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. After brushing and flossing, it is best to rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash for thirty seconds to a minute. Doing this helps kill bacteria and keeps your breath fresh for longer.
Keep a Healthy Diet
Your oral health starts with your diet. The kinds of food you eat can contribute to tartar buildup or tooth decay. Limiting sticky or sugary foods is a great way to reduce the plaque buildup in your mouth. Instead, add in some crunchy greens, like celery and kale, for an extra boost of nutrition. Not only do these foods contain beneficial minerals and vitamins, they also help clean your teeth between brushings.
Use a Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride toothpaste is great for protecting gum health. Fluoride is naturally found in the human body. However, your eating habits may not necessarily include all the fluoride your teeth and gums need. Thus, you should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste to ensure you add the necessary minerals back to your gums every day.
See Your Dentist Regularly
It is important to visit your dentist every six months for regular check-ups and professional teeth cleanings to ensure healthier gums. Your dentist is the only one who can remove tartar buildup and clean some of those hard-to-reach areas, which keeps your gums healthy. Regular visits are also crucial for identifying potential problem areas. The earlier you identify signs of gum disease, the better your chances of reversing the effects.
KEEP YOUR MOUTH HAPPY WITH ANNAPOLIS DENTAL CARE!
Whether it’s a regular check-up you need or a tooth extracted, your dentist in Annapolis is here to serve! Annapolis Dental Care has the expertise and compassion to work with you on improving your oral health. Your comfort and health are our top priorities, and so we go above and beyond to make our patients happy and give them the highest quality care. To set up an appointment today, please give us a call at 410-571-5014 or visit us online. For more oral health tips for you and your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! We are always looking for new patients, so if you live in Arnold, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD, come on down!