When it comes to oral health, most of us focus on keeping our teeth clean and cavity-free. But our gums, which play a vital role in supporting our teeth, often don’t get the attention they deserve.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth and maintaining them is essential not only for a beautiful smile but also for our overall health. Poor gum health can lead to gum disease, which has been linked to more serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers.
With this in mind, let’s explore five top tips for maintaining healthy gums and keeping your smile (and your overall health) in great shape.
Brush Your Teeth For Longer
Brushing your teeth is the cornerstone of oral hygiene, but the way you brush can make all the difference to gum health. Many people focus on their teeth but neglect their gums, which can lead to plaque buildup along the gumline – a major cause of gum disease.
There is growing evidence to suggest that brushing teeth for longer is better – but how much longer? Experts now suggest 3-4 minutes rather than the previous 2 minutes.
With this in mind, here’s what you need to know…
Proper brushing technique:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums. Hard bristles can wear down your gum tissue over time.
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
- Avoid vigorous back-and-forth scrubbing in favour of gentle brushing in short, circular motions.
- Spend at least three to four minutes brushing, making sure to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces.
Essentially, proper brushing helps remove plaque and food particles that can cause gum irritation and inflammation. Remember, maintaining healthy gums is not just about brushing frequently, but brushing correctly.
For more information on proper brushing techniques, the American Dental Association offers a comprehensive guide.
Floss Like A Boss
While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing is essential for removing plaque-inducing debris from between your teeth and under the gumline – areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
When daily brushing is accompanied by flossing, research suggests that flossing plus toothbrushing reduces gum disease significantly better than when brushing alone. So it’s an extremely effective deterrent in the fight against gum disease.
Here’s how to floss effectively:
- Use about 18 inches of dental floss, ensuring it’s anchored around each middle finger, leaving sufficient floss to work with.
- Hold the floss taut and gently slide it up and down between your teeth, curving it around the base of each tooth.
- Be sure to go below the gumline, but avoid snapping the floss, which can irritate or damage your gums.
Flossing might seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial for preventing periodontal disease and maintaining healthy gums. Skipping flossing allows plaque to build up in hard-to-reach places, which in turn will turn into tartar and can only be removed by a dental professional.
The importance of flossing is underscored by resources such as this detailed guide from Colgate.
Use An Antimicrobial Mouthwash
Mouthwash is often seen as an optional extra in oral hygiene, but when it comes to maintaining healthy gums, it can be a valuable addition to your routine. Antimicrobial mouthwash helps reduce bacteria in your mouth, including those that cause gum disease.
Choosing the right mouthwash:
- Look for mouthwashes that are specifically designed to combat gum disease. These often contain ingredients like chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, or essential oils that target harmful bacteria.
- Avoid mouthwashes with high alcohol content, as these can dry out your mouth and irritate your gums.
- Avoid overuse as certain mouthwashes can have detrimental effects like tooth discoloration.
Using an approved mouthwash in conjunction with proper brushing and flossing can help remove any remaining particles and provide an additional layer of protection against bacteria. Additionally, studies suggest that regular use of a quality antimicrobial mouthwash can reduce the risk of developing gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
You may be thinking what has food got to do with gum health?
Well…what you eat has a direct impact on your oral health, including the health of your gums. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C, can help keep your gums strong and resilient. On the other hand, sugary foods and drinks contribute to plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease.
Foods that help to maintain gum health include:
- Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli help strengthen gum tissue and repair damage.
- Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and other greens are high in vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which are important for bone and tooth health.
- Dairy products: Cheese, milk, and yogurt provide calcium and phosphates that help rebuild enamel and strengthen your gums.
Essentially, reducing your intake of sugary snacks and beverages can also help prevent the formation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can irritate your gums and lead to gum disease.
For more detailed advice on nutrition and gum health, the American Dental Association (ADA) provides an excellent resource.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
In addition to at-home care, regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining healthy gums. Even if you brush, floss, and use mouthwash religiously, only professional cleaning can remove tartar buildup that brushing and flossing miss. Moreover, dental professionals are trained to spot gum problems early before they escalate, so cost-effective treatment can be introduced to keep your gums looking and feeling healthy.
What To Expect During A Dental Checkup:
- Your dentist or hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
- They will also check for signs of gum disease, such as redness, swelling, and bleeding gums.
- If needed, they may recommend a deep cleaning procedure, known as scaling and root planing, to treat gum disease at its early stages.
The Key Takeaway
Maintaining healthy gums is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort. By brushing and flossing correctly, using antimicrobial mouthwash, eating a nutritious diet, and visiting your dentist regularly, you have everything needed to keep your gums (and your smile) healthy for life.
If you reside in Anchorage, AK, and looking for a dental practice that prioritizes your gum health, consider Mint Dental.
Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care, including thorough gum assessments and personalized treatment plans.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to take care of your gums. Schedule an appointment with Dr McNeil and his experienced team and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile today!