Among adults age 30 years or older in the US, 46% have signs of gum disease. For 9% of adults, this gum disease is considered severe. Many people focus on the look and health of their teeth, even if their gum health isn’t optimal.
However, your gum health is very important, so it’s critical that you know how to keep your gums healthy. Let’s take a look at some of the key steps you should take to increase your gum health.
Regular Cleanings
Regular dental care is also important to keep your gums healthy. Tartar can only be removed by a professional cleaning. By getting regular cleanings, you’ll be able to get rid of any plaque that is missed when you brush and floss.
Your dentist will also be able to find any dental issues such as gingivitis. This can help you catch problems early and seek periodontal treatment before it gets worse. You could even get dental implants in concord when you have yourself checked to see how healthy you are and what would be best for your.
Brush at Least Twice a Day
You should brush your teeth after every meal, at least twice a day. Brushing removes food and plaque that gets stuck on your teeth and gums. Don’t forget to scrub your tongue, which can help get rid of bacteria that live in your mouth.
Choose a soft bristle toothbrush and replace it every three or four months, or whenever the bristles start to fray.
If you wish, you can use an electric toothbrush which could help remove more plaque and reduce gingivitis. Also, make sure to use fluoride toothpaste that has the ADA seal of approval.
Floss
Your toothbrush can’t get rid of all of the plaque right by your gumline. To make sure you can remove that plaque, you should floss at least once a day. It doesn’t matter what time you floss, as long as you do it daily.
If you don’t remove this plaque, it can turn into tartar. Tartar can lead to gum disease, and it can only be removed by an experienced dentist in Round Lake Beach.
Rinse Carefully and Use Mouthwash
When rinsing your mouth after brushing, you could rinse away the fluoride in your toothpaste. Instead, just spit out the excess toothpaste. Rinsing your mouth after eating can rinse out leftover food and bacteria that could lead to plaque.
Using a therapeutic mouthwash can also help prevent gum disease. Just note that this is not a replacement for brushing and flossing. Look for the ADA seal and don’t allow children under age six to use mouthwash.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is also linked as a risk factor for decreased oral health, particularly for periodontal disease. Smokers tend to lose the attachment tissue between their gums and teeth, as well as experience alveolar bone loss.
In addition, smoking can weaken your immune system. So if you develop a gum infection, you may have more difficulty fighting it and allowing your gums to heal if they get damaged.
Evidence also shows that smoking more increases the damage. Former smokers face less damage than current smokers, though more damage than non-smokers. If you do smoke, cutting back and eventually quitting can help prevent more issues.
Know How to Keep Your Gums Healthy
Knowing how to keep your gums healthy can help you take the steps to prevent gum disease and other oral health issues. Make some simple changes to your routine and you could reap the benefits of better oral health.
If this article was helpful to you, be sure to check out our other health articles too.
