How to take care of your gums

Gum health is an extremely important component of overall oral hygiene. Unfortunately, many people think that simple tooth brushing is all that they have to do to take care of their mouth. This is not true. Your gums are some of the most sensitive tissues in your body. They are easily damaged by rough treatment or by eating the wrong things. You must take steps above and beyond simply brushing your teeth to make sure that your gums stay healthy.

Floss regularly:

Regular flossing helps remove any food or plaque which is lodged between your teeth. Any foreign material stuck in your teeth will encourage the growth of bacteria and other nasty things which you don’t want anywhere near your mouth. This in turn will increase the risk of gum disease and inflammation. The fix - floss as often as you can!

Don’t smoke:

Smoking weakens your immune system and can make it harder for your body to fight off infections associated with the onset of gum disease. It also prevents the regeneration of damaged gum tissue, not to mention the fact that it yellows the teeth and gives you bad breath.

Ask your dentist for toothpaste to help counter gum disease:

With the huge range of toothpastes on the market today it can be difficult for people to find the right one. Unfortunately, many people simply choose the cheapest option. However, brushing with the correct toothpaste can help reduce the occurrence of gum disease and can provide long-term protection against bacteria. Your dentist should be able to advise you on the best options.

Use mouthwash!

Since gum disease is closely associated with high levels of harmful bacteria within the mouth, a good mouthwash can be useful as a preventative measure. A mouthwash will help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, reduce plaque, and will help remove any food which may be stuck in your mouth after a meal. This in turn will help keep your gums safe and healthy!

Be careful how you brush:

While brushing is important, doing it in the wrong way can be harmful. If you use a tough toothbrush with hard bristles, then you could be causing more damage than you are preventing. Hard toothbrushes tend to be rough on the gums, increasing the risk of infection and damage. Go for the softest bristles you can find next time you buy a toothbrush.