6 Ways to make your Gums Healthy
By Nmami Agarwal 30-Jul 2021 Reading Time: 5 Mins
Nowadays, a lot of people tend to overlook their gum health. Do you know the importance of gum health? It acts as a protective barrier against disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. Moreover, it helps to keep your teeth in place and intact. Without healthy gums, bacteria and food deposits would find it easy to go into the deeper parts of your teeth.
Poor gum health is often linked to gum diseases or tooth decay while fading out your big smile. Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease when bacteria cause your gums to bleed, turn red, and feel sore. At a later stage of gum disease, it developed into Periodontal disease in which gum and bone couldn’t hold the teeth in place. This mouth infection will lead to bad breath, difficulty in chewing, pain in the gums, and many more issues. These gum diseases could be avoided by practicing good oral hygiene. Here are 6 ways to make your gums healthy:
- Brushing properly: Brushing the teeth properly is a key to having a healthy mouth and gums as it will avoid the accumulation of the food particles in your mouth. Brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and don’t be in a hurry while brushing your teeth. Replace the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner depending upon the condition of the bristles.
- Choose the right toothpaste: There are many varieties of toothpaste available in the market, from whitening products to formulas containing baking soda. When choosing toothpaste, one should make sure that it contains fluoride. Fluoride will help to reduce the demineralization process, which is the first stage of tooth decay.
- Floss daily: Many people neglect daily flossing, but this habit is an important part of oral hygiene. Flossing removes food and plaque from between the teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky layer filled with bacteria. Plaque can lead to Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease which can further lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Use a mouthwash: Therapeutic mouthwashes provide a long-lasting bacterial reduction in the mouth and can be used for conditions such as receding gums, gingivitis, dry mouth, and plaque buildup. What’s more? It keeps your breath fresh!
- Quit smoking immediately: Quitting smoking improves overall oral health drastically, reduces the risk of developing gum disease and oral cancer, and improves the person’s response to gum treatment. Also, smoking weakens your immune system and makes it harder to fight against a gum infection. So, say no to smoking!
- Timely dental visits: If food particles get accumulated for a long period in your mouth then these deposits will lead to plaque. Plaque gets hard and becomes tartar which can only be removed by the dentist. Therefore, it is important to go for regular dental checkups.
Over to You:
Gum diseases can be prevented and reversed if proper care is given at the right time. One should follow oral hygiene practices like brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing with the right mouthwash after consulting your doctor.