How Can I Keep My Gums Healthy?

Teeth are usually the main attraction when someone turns their attention to oral health, but don’t underestimate how significantly your gums factor into the equation of a healthy mouth. Fortunately, there are some easy-to-implement steps to keep them in good condition.

Don’t give gum disease an opportunity to arrive on your doorstep. Read on to get some tips for healthy gums from your dentist in Buffalo Grove.

Avoid Tobacco Products

People who smoke are twice as likely to develop gum disease, which is a startling factoid. Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it more difficult to fight off gum infections. It also reduces the ability of damaged gum tissue to heal.

Brush Your Teeth Twice Daily

You should brush morning and evening at the very least to remove food particles and plaque from the surface of your teeth. Be sure to scrub your tongue and gently brush your gums. The ideal toothbrush is electric and soft-bristled. An electric toothbrush is more effective in reducing your chances of gingivitis than a manual toothbrush.

Choose a Toothpaste with Fluoride

Toothpaste is not that beneficial for your oral health unless it contains fluoride. This natural mineral features so prominently in dentistry because of its ability to protect against decay. Also, remember to check that your toothpaste has the American Dental Association Seal of Approval.

Floss Every Day

Use dental floss at least once each day to remove more food debris and plaque than you can by brushing alone. Floss gets the hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush cannot adequately access. It is more effective if done before brushing than afterward.

Incorporate Mouthwash into Your Routine

Try to get a therapeutic mouthwash, which is designed to address numerous dental concerns. There are cosmetic mouthwashes that only focus on short-term bad breath. Therapeutic mouthwash can reduce plaque and tartar development, plus prevent gingivitis.

Don’t Skip Cleanings and Exams with Your Dentist

Be sure to visit your dentist twice each year for a cleaning and exam. They will remove plaque and tarter that you might have missed, which reduces your chances of tooth decay and gingivitis. If your dentist sees signs of gum disease, the good news is that it is treatable when caught in the preliminary stages. If it progresses too far, a person faces irreversible problems like gum recession, teeth that become loose or fall out, and shrinkage of the jawbone.

When you are giving your gums the same attention you give your teeth during daily cleaning, it greatly increases the odds you avoid oral health issues and maintain a winning smile that everyone can appreciate. For more suggestions on gum care, be sure to ask your dentist during your next visit.

About the Author

Dr. Natalya Nagornaya earned her dental degree from the University of Illinois. She is an active member of the American Dental Association. Dr. Nagornaya dedicates time to seminars and continuing education courses so that she can stay current on all the latest developments in dentistry for the benefit of her patients. She believes in honesty, respect, and effective communication with patients for your visits to be enjoyable and your needs attended to. Dr. Nagornaya offers detailed periodontal charting to determine how healthy the gum tissue is around your entire tooth. It’s a key step in the detection of gum disease. If needed, she can perform comprehensive scaling and root planing as the first lines of defense against periodontitis. When you aren’t sure if your gums are healthy, she can check them as part of a routine cleaning and exam. To make an appointment, visit her website or call (847) 634-2525.