Keeping your gums healthy

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We all know the importance of keeping your teeth healthy and looking after them with consistent care. However, gums are just as important to keep clean and healthy, but is not mentioned as much as our teeth. Looking after both our teeth and gums will have huge benefits for yourself in terms of health and overall self-confidence. In this article, we will explore the different ways to keep your gums healthy and the importance of keeping them clean.

 

If you are worried that you have developed gum disease, the most common signs that you may have it are:

  • Swollen gums
  • Gums bleeding regularly or easily
  • Gums have pulled away from teeth
  • Loosing teeth
  • Bad breath/bad taste in mouth

 

1.Flossing

Flossing is a really effective method of fighting off gum disease. You should floss at least once a day in order to get rid of any excess food, plaque or bacteria that your may have not been able to reach with your toothbrush alone. Doing this will drastically reduce your risk of gum disease, whilst keeping both your teeth and gums healthy.

 

2.Brushing twice a day

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, or after each meal, for two minutes. This ensures that any left-over bacteria, plaque of food will be scrubbed away before it can begin to cause damage to our mouth. But brushing your teeth not only strengthens your teeth but your gums as well.

You should aim to replace your toothbrush heads every three or four months, depending on when the bristles start to fray.

 

  1. Regular dental check ups

The first person you should go to if you are concerned about the state of your gums is of course, your dentist. They will be able to identify a number of potential problems through a check up and will be able to recommend any treatment you may need.

To remove tartar from your teeth, you will need to attend a professional cleaning from your dentist. These cleanings will help prevent gum disease, Tartar build up and drastically improve the strength and health of your gums.

 

  1. Quit smoking

Smoking is a major cause of gum disease due to its ability to deteriorate the immune system, leaving smokers more susceptible to developing this disease. If you have developed gum disease, it will be harder to fight off and for your gums to heal afterwards if you are smoking. Smoking also yellows or stains the teeth, and can lead to oral cancer.

 

Using the correct toothpaste and mouthwash

 

Choosing the right toothpaste can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack if you don’t know what to look out for. Supermarket shelves are littered with multiple toothpaste brands stating that they are the best, and claiming they can reduce gum disease, whiten teeth and freshen breath. However, as long as you chose the toothpastes that contain fluoride and have an ADA seal of acceptance, you can then make your own mind up on which one suits you best!

When it comes to mouthwash, you should try and get ‘therapeutic mouthwash’ to help reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis. Again, if it has the ADA seal of approval then you’re good to go. The ADA seal is given to any toothpaste or mouthwash brand that is deemed safe to use and effective.

If you are worried that you may have developed gum disease or would just like kore information on how to keep your mouth in the best condition, why not contact Malvern dentists today, to see how we can help you!

 

 

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