Gum Care Tips & Tricks: 5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy
Have you heard? September is National Gum Care Month, which means now is as great a time as any to brush up on your gum care routine.
When you think about a healthy smile, you probably think of your teeth. It turns out, however, that your gums are just as important. In this guide, we’ll dive into why gum health matters, how to stay on top of it, and what to do if you have a gum issue.
Your gums play a pretty important role in your mouth—keeping your teeth in place! So, healthy gums make it possible to do things like eat and talk comfortably. Your gums also protect against cavities and the spread of harmful bacteria.
Just like there are many benefits to taking care of your gums, unhealthy gums can cause problems. People with gum disease have a higher risk of other health issues. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is linked to conditions like dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications. Preventing gum disease reduces your risk of other health problems.
Keeping a regular brushing routine benefits more than just your teeth; it’s also important for your gums. If you use a manual toothbrush, look for one with soft bristles and hold it at a 45-degree angle when you’re brushing. That way, you’ll be able to whisk away any food particles and keep plaque and bacteria from building up along the gum line. Consider investing in an electric toothbrush which can help you be even more effective at keeping your gums clean.
Regular flossing is one of the best ways to care for your gums. Floss removes the buildup between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Without flossing, harmful bacteria can affect your gums and teeth, leading to issues down the road. If you don’t already floss, pick a time of day to begin to build the habit. For some people, flossing during their nighttime brushing routine works well while others might opt for a midday or morning floss.
Cleanings and dental exams are a great way to keep tabs on your gums and make sure no issues go overlooked. Your hygienist will periodically measure the tightness of your gums around your teeth by probing the “pockets” of your gums with a small tool. These measures can highlight any changes in your gum health over time which might need a little TLC.
Smoking has many negative impacts on your health—including your gum health. The CDC says smokers have double the risk of developing gum disease as a normal patient. More tobacco and longer use increases your risk. So, if you don’t smoke, don’t start! And if you do, the best choice for your dental health is to stop smoking.
Bad bacteria thrive on junk food, like sugary treats and acidic sodas. A well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins benefits your body and your mouth. It’s okay to enjoy your favorite snacks every now and then, but it’s a good idea to limit them. Eat a healthy diet to promote gum health and prevent the bacteria that harm your gums from spreading.
These symptoms may be early clues of a gum-related issue.
If you notice any changes to your gums, always call our office. A dental exam with your dentist is the best way to determine if you’re at risk for developing gum disease.
The best way to treat gum disease is to avoid it altogether. Try these easy tips to keep up your gum health.
Learn More: My Dentist Says I Can't Get a Normal Cleaning, Why?
Whether you’re looking to prevent gum issues in the future or you already have signs of gum disease, we can help. Our friendly doctors and staff provide personalized dental care to meet you exactly where you are. Call our office to learn more about the services we offer and to schedule your next cleaning appointment.
We hear some version of this pretty regularly at Norge Dental Center. A patient gets settled in the chair and, before we’ve even had a chance to take a look, says, “I’m sorry, I know my teeth are a mess,” or, “Please don’t judge me, I haven’t been to the dentist in years.”Sometimes they laugh when they say it, but we can usually tell they’re genuinely embarrassed. They may have put off making the appointment because of it, and by the time they finally come in, they’ve already imagined all the things we might say about their teeth.Here’s what we wish those patients knew before they ever walked through our doors: you don’t need to apologize to us.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe it’s already back to school time! Backpacks are packed, lunches are being made, and families are getting back into their school year routines.We know how busy this time of year can be. Between school, homework, sports, activities, and everything else on the calendar, dental care may not always be at the top of the list.At Norge Dental Center, we want to help make keeping your family’s smiles healthy a little easier. Here are a few simple dental tips to keep in mind as everyone heads back to school.
Read MoreBrush and floss regularly but still getting cavities? Learn about dry mouth, snacking, acidic drinks, genetics, grinding, and other hidden cavity risks.
Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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