Having healthy gums is very important. If you develop gum disease, you could eventually lose teeth and even lose bone density in your jaw. Unhealthy gums pull away from the teeth, causing them to become loose and possibly fall out. Periodontal disease, or advanced gum disease, attacks the bone beneath the gum and can make treatment difficult.
The best way to avoid these problems is to have good gum hygiene. With good gum hygiene as part of your regular oral health routine, you will be able to keep healthy teeth and a healthy body. Here are three things to keep in mind.
Brush Properly
Most people do not know how to brush their teeth properly. You should brush every surface of your teeth, including the front, back, and chewing surface, but it is also important to brush your gums. Your gums should get the same attention as your teeth, and you should be brushing down away from the gum to pull out food and bacteria from between the gum and teeth.
Floss Daily
Flossing is the best defense against gum disease. Food and bacteria become lodged in between teeth at the gum line. In order to remove this debris and bacteria, you must floss daily. Make sure that you are flossing correctly, by moving the floss from the gum and down away between the teeth in a C motion.
Use a Therapeutic Mouthwash
Most people do not realize that there are two different categories of mouthwash—therapeutic and aesthetic. Make sure that you are using a therapeutic mouthwash approved by the American Dental Association for protection against gum disease.
If you have any questions about how you should be caring for your teeth and gums, or if it has been more than six months since your last cleaning, contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
