When it comes to oral health, more often than not, the gums get overlooked. People tend to focus on getting healthy good looking teeth, forgetting about the gums. Taking care of your gums, however, is just as important as it is to do the same for your teeth. The same bacteria that weaken and destroys the tooth enamel can also cause gum disease. Unlike teeth related issues, gum diseases can easily go unnoticed until severe symptoms such as sore gums, bleeding gums, and bad breath begin to show up.
The best way to combat gum diseases is by avoiding getting gum diseases altogether through good oral care. Taking the following steps will help you maintain happy and healthy gums.
It’s never too late to start taking better care of your gums.
Brush Regularly For Healthy Gums
After eating, some food particles get stuck between the teeth and gums. The longer you leave them there, the more likely they are to welcome bacteria which can lead to gum disease. To avoid this, you should always ensure that you brush after each meal. As you brush your teeth, ensure that you scrub your tongue as well since it can be a dwelling place for harmful bacteria.
Use proper brushing techniques and fluoride toothpaste for the best results. Also, ensure that you use the right kind of toothbrush with soft bristles that will not harm your gums. Replace it every 3 to 4 months as it starts to wear out.
Don’t Forget to Floss
Even if you diligently make a point of brushing your teeth after every meal, your toothbrush may not be able to get to the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth and gums. Flossing will help reach these hidden particles and plaque to prevent them from developing bacteria that can cause harm to your gums. You can do this once each day, at whatever time of the day that is suitable for you.
Use Mouthwash
Using a good mouthwash will not only keep your breath fresh, but it can also help keep harmful bacteria at bay. Use a mouthwash that kills bacteria. Several brands are available in the market to do just that.
Eat Some Cheese
If you can not brush at the end of a meal, try eating a piece of Swiss or other aged cheese. It helps to pull away some of the plaque and food particles leftover from meals. Not only that, but the added calcium is also good for bones and teeth.
Chew Sugarless Gum
You can refresh your breath and help to clean your mouth by chewing on a piece of sugarless gum for about 20 minutes after eating. Keep in mind to not overdo it. Regular gum-chewing, especially if you do that for a long time, it can lead to jaw problems down the road.
Avoid gum with sugar in it, too. The added sugar will just serve to create more plaque and bacteria.
Try Oil Pulling
This is a simple at-home remedy that you can use to care for your gums by reducing the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Oils such as coconut oil will help to reduce plaque and relieve gingivitis symptoms.
Oil pulling is easy and all you need to do is warm some coconut oil and swish it around your mouth for about 10 minutes before spitting it out. Sesame or sunflower oil can also be used for this.
Don’t Forget the Dentist
Of course, you need to see your dentist regularly: every two months. By doing so, your dentist can detect any problems early on and help to keep your teeth in optimal condition. He or she will be able to clean any plaque and tartar build-up that can lead to diseased gums and will give you other pointers for your oral care.
Summary
All these suggestions will only take a small amount of time. A few minutes of a day is a great investment for your lifetime of healthy gums and teeth. What are you waiting for? Start taking care of your gums and pearly whites to keep that smile as bright as possible.
