Are Your Gums Healthy?
You may be keeping your teeth perfectly clean and healthy, but healthy teeth don’t guarantee healthy gums. Tooth care is very heavily emphasized in society, but we’re willing to bet you’re less sure about gum care.
Keep reading to learn more!
The Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease comes in many forms, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to schedule a visit with us:
- Tender or swollen gums
- Gums prone to bleeding
- Shifting or loose adult teeth
- Gum tissue pulling away from your teeth
- Persistent bad taste in your mouth
Tips For Maintaining Healthy Gums
- Floss: Proper flossing, which means getting under the tooth to scrape off the plaque wedged on top of your gums, is an important daily step in keeping your gums healthy. The less plaque and debris you have stuck between your teeth, the fewer chances you have for an infection to start.
- Brush: Ideally, you should brush after every meal, but at a minimum, you should be brushing every day for at least two minutes per session. Part of those two minutes should be dedicated to gently brushing your gums and tongue. This helps to remove harmful bacteria. Be sure to use fluoride toothpaste for a proper clean.
- Mouthwash: A proper therapeutic mouthwash is a great over-the-counter tool for fighting gum disease. There are lots of options for mouthwash, so be sure to look for an American Dental Association seal on mouthwash that fights gingivitis and plaque.
- Don’t Smoke: In addition to health complications like lung and throat cancer, smoking is known to yellow your teeth and weaken your immune system. This means your body is less equipped to naturally fight bacteria and infection, leaving you more susceptible to gum disease. Vaping can be just as dangerous, as research shows a similar link between e-cigarettes and lowered immune response.
The Final Tip: Schedule regular visits with us! Your cleanings and check-ups help us get a snapshot of your dental health, so we can recommend better at-home procedures for keeping your gums clean, provide regular cleanings to counteract natural tartar buildup, and suggest disease-fighting treatments if necessary.
If you’re concerned about your teeth or gums, call our office located in Wellington, FL to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help!
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