For many people, the practice of good oral hygiene is all about keeping the teeth white, having fresh air and a bright white smile. They often fail to extend good oral hygiene to the gum part, an integral part of the teeth. That’s why this article shows you how to keep your gum healthy.
Keeping your mouth always clean is an essential aspect of practicing good oral hygiene because it is vital for preventing and treating gum diseases. There can’t be a healthy tooth without healthy gum.
You can develop gum diseases if you don’t care for your gums. Caring for your gum helps prevent plaque, a sticky film substance containing bacteria, from building under and along the gum line. Plague is very harmful to the gum; it causes infections, leading your gum to develop disease and your tooth also to decay.
An example of gum disease you can develop if you don’t care for your gum is gingivitis. It is the first stage of gum disease, and it causes your gum to be inflamed, tender, red and swollen gum and prone to bleeding. Further, another stage of gum disease is periodontists, which hurt the bones holding your teeth. It hurt the gums, bones and tissues connected to your teeth when left untreated.
The last stage of gum disease is termed advanced periodontitis. It is the stage that impacts the fibers and bone supporting your teeth, destroying them in the process. The effect is excruciating as you can’t bite your food without feeling significantly hurt. You may also need to remove the tooth.
No one wants to have gum diseases; therefore, this article will help highlight healthy steps you can take to help keep your gum healthy.
How to Keep Your Gum Healthy
Floss regularly
Flossing means using a cord of thin filaments to remove food and plaque stuck in areas of the teeth you can’t use a toothbrush to reach. Flossing is an integral part of keeping healthy oral hygiene. It complements the toothbrush by reaching the hidden areas and cleaning the plagues that are left. If you don’t floss regularly, the plague still stuck under your teeth can develop into tartar which is like a hard buildup of bacteria. Tartar leads to severe gum diseases and can only be removed by a dentist.
Brush properly
Brushing the teeth properly is very important to keeping a healthy mouth and gums. Here are some steps you should take when brushing;
- Ensure you brush at least two times daily using a soft bristle toothbrush.
- Brush the teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gum.
- Use short strokes when brushing your teeth.
- Clean the inside of the front teeth by turning the brush vertically.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or if you notice the bristles begins to fray.
Rinse your mouth
Rinsing your mouth after eating is often neglected, and the effect is food particles and plaque gets stuck in between teeth. It would help if you always rinse your mouth, especially after eating food. When you rinse your mouth after eating, you may rinse away food and bacteria that can lead to plaque and tartar.
Regular dental checkup
With regular dental visits, a dentist can help identify the early signs of gum disease. A dentist can adequately take care of your teeth by offering a range of dental services, including professional cleaning of the mouth. It is only through professional cleaning that tartar is removed from the teeth. It also helps to completely remove the plague that you may have skipped when brushing your teeth.
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Bottom Line
Knowing how to keep your gum healthy is imperative to keeping a great oral hygiene. These useful tips to keep your gums healthy, strong and clean.
