Keeping your gums healthy is an essential part of any oral health routine. Unfortunately, gum disease is one of the most common diseases in the world, and if left untreated, it can cause serious health problems.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your gums and prevent gum disease. In this article, we’re going to look at 4 tips you can use to keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease.
So, if you’re looking to protect your gums from disease, read on to learn more about how to keep your gums healthy.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a term used to describe several dental conditions that can cause inflammation in the gums. It’s also known as periodontal disease, and it’s caused by bacteria that build up around your teeth and gums.
This bacteria irritates your gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and prone to infection. If left untreated, this infection eventually destroys the tissues that support your teeth, leading to tooth loss. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss, and it’s the reason why brushing and flossing your teeth isn’t enough to keep your smile healthy.
If you want to protect your gums from disease and keep your teeth for life, then you must follow a complete oral health routine. With these tips, you’ll be able to keep your gums healthy, maintain good oral hygiene, and prevent gum disease.
4 tips to keep your gums healthy
There are 4 simple tips you can use to keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease.
First, you should brush your teeth twice a day to remove bacteria and food particles. This removes the bacteria that cause gum disease, reducing the risk of infection and gum disease. Brushing your teeth is also important for the health of your teeth, as it helps to remove plaque, reduce the risk of decay, and improve the strength of your teeth.
Next, you should floss daily to remove plaque from places where your toothbrush can’t reach. Plaque is a sticky substance that builds up on your teeth, so daily flossing is an essential part of any oral health routine. If this plaque is left untreated, it can harden and become toxic, causing damage to the gum and tooth surrounding it.
Finally, you should use an antiseptic mouthwash. Mouthwash kills the bacteria that cause gum disease, so it’s a good addition to your oral health routine. It’s best to use an antiseptic mouthwash with anti-inflammatory properties to protect your gums from infection.
You should also visit your dentist regularly. Visiting your dentist every 6 months allows them to perform an oral health check. During this check, they’ll be able to spot any signs of gum disease before it becomes a serious issue.
Tip 1: Brush your teeth twice a day
As we’ve already discussed, brushing your teeth twice a day is an essential part of any oral health routine. Brushing your teeth removes bacteria from the surface of your teeth and mouth, helping to prevent gum disease.
It’s important to brush for at least 2 minutes to thoroughly clean your teeth, and you should brush in a circular motion. You can use a standard toothbrush or an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth. Standard toothbrushes can be used by everyone, but electric toothbrushes are recommended for people with sensitive teeth or brushing difficulties.
Tip 2: Floss daily
Daily flossing is another essential part of any oral health routine. Flossing removes plaque from areas where your toothbrush can’t reach, preventing gum disease. Additionally, flossing removes food particles from between your teeth, preventing plaque from building up. Brushing alone isn’t enough to keep your teeth clean, which is why flossing is an essential part of any oral health routine.
When it comes to choosing the best type of floss, you have 2 options. You can choose a standard dental floss, or you can choose a water flosser. Dental floss can be wrapped around your teeth and pulled through, while a water flosser blasts water and air through a narrow nozzle, removing plaque from your teeth as it goes.
Tip 3: Use an antiseptic mouthwash
Mouthwash works to kill the bacteria that can cause gum disease, so it’s an essential part of any oral health routine. There are 2 types of mouthwash available: antiseptic mouthwash, and standard mouthwash. Antiseptic mouthwash contains chemicals that kill the bacteria that cause gum disease, protecting your gums from infection.
Standard mouthwash contains ingredients like alcohol and sugar, but it doesn’t contain any anti-inflammatory properties that protect your gums from infection. So, if you want to protect your gums from gum disease, it’s best to use an antiseptic mouthwash. You can find different brands of antiseptic mouthwash at your local store, and most of these products are inexpensive.
Tip 4: Visit your dentist regularly
Finally, you should visit your dentist every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and an oral health check. During this visit, your dentist will clean your teeth and remove any plaque and bacteria that can cause gum disease. They’ll also be able to spot any signs of gum disease early, allowing you to take steps to protect your gums.
This regular dental check-up will help you to prevent gum disease. It’s best to visit your dentist between 2 and 3 years after you’ve removed your teeth (e.g. wisdom teeth). At this appointment, your dentist can remove any tissue from the inside of your gums, preventing it from reattaching and causing gum disease.
Periodontal Services in Peoria, IL
Gum disease is a common dental condition that can cause serious health issues if left untreated. Fortunately, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, using an antiseptic mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly can protect your gums and prevent gum disease.
To learn more about the periodontal services we offer in Peoria, IL, and surrounding areas, contact us today at 309-674-4148.