Oftentimes, gums are the last thing people think of when talking about oral health. Gum disease is a usually painless problem and most patients have no clue that their gums are in trouble. Signs of gum disease include the gums being red, inflamed, tender, swollen, or prone to bleeding (oftentimes when flossing). Normal gingivitis is easily preventable and reversible as well. Here are some ways to keep not only your teeth healthy but your gums healthy too.
Flossing
It is recommended that you floss at least once a day at a minimum. Flossing helps reach the places that your toothbrush cannot reach such as plaque and food that gets stuck in between your teeth and gums. There are different flosses that are available and depend on what your preference is. Dental tape is flatter and wider and makes getting in between braces, gaps, and large spaces easier to clean. Standard floss is what you are typically used to and is thin and comes in different flavors. Floss picks are also a good way to keep your gums in check as they are versatile and can help floss your teeth in the back. In addition to floss picks, Water Pik’s are also a great alternative to flossing. Water Pik’s use high pressurized water to clean between your teeth to remove unwanted debris.
Regular Cleanings and Checkup’s
Visiting the dentist regularly should be a no-brainer for good gum health. They are able to remove any minor issues from your teeth that may cause gum disease. The key to good oral health is prevention and there is no better way than going in for a biannual visit. Your dentist will remove any plaque and tartar that are stuck on your teeth and gum line. After this, they will brush and polish your teeth with gritty toothpaste that’s safe to do. Then they’ll floss between the teeth with problem spots that are hard to get to. The last thing they will do it use a fluoride treatment that will help protect your teeth for a couple of months until your next visit.
Oral Care
As most people are well aware, it is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day every day, or better yet- after every meal. The best kind of toothpaste for this is anything with fluoride in it with the ADA seal of acceptance. Contrary to belief, you should let the toothpaste sit on your teeth rather than rinsing it off. You should not eat or drink anything 30 minutes after brushing as it will minimize the effects of the fluoride in the toothpaste.
To learn more about Oral Health or to schedule a consultation with Dr. K please contact our office where our dedicated and knowledgeable staff and doctors will be able to go over any questions that you may have.