Keeping Your Gums Healthy: West Cobb Dentistry

When it comes to your mouth’s health, it’s not all about how straight your teeth are or how bright your smile is. You can’t forget that the gums are critical to achieving this. Even if you’re cavity-free and have the pearliest sets of teeth in town, that does not mean you’re immune to gum disease. Since it’s usually painless, most people have no idea that anything is wrong with their gums.

Gum disease starts when plaque builds up under and along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film-like substance that’s filled with bacteria. It can cause infections that hurt the gum and bone, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque also can cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become red, swollen, prone to bleeding, amongst other visible symptoms.

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

I Gums are susceptible to bleeding

II Gums that are swollen, tender and red

III Gums that have pulled away from your teeth, etc.

These tips will help you maintain a healthy gum and improve your overall dental health.

Ensure You Floss

Floss at least once a day. This helps remove the plaque and food that’s beyond your toothbrush reach, according to the ADA. It doesn’t matter when you floss. Do it at night, do it in the morning, or do it after lunch.

Get Regular Dental Cleaning

Your dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms if you see them on a regular basis. That way symptoms can be treated before they become more serious. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar.

It can also get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing. If you have gingivitis, brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings can help reverse it.

Drop The Smoking Habit

You maybe finding it very difficult to drop that habit but this will give you another reason to. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 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. Smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’ve been damaged.

Brush Twice A Day

Brush your teeth after every meal. This helps remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums. Scrub your tongue too, since it can harbor bacteria. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and fit in your mouth comfortably.

Consider using an electric or battery-powered toothbrush as they can help reduce gingivitis and plaque more than manual brushing. Swap toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles start to fray.

Insist On Fluoride Toothpaste

Make sure to choose toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of acceptance. These category of toothpaste will guarantee white teeth, fresh breath and reduce the risk of gum infections.

Contact us today to help you ensure you are taking care of your gums the right way

For more on keeping your teeth in the best shape possible for a bright and healthy smile, check us out here!