Good oral health is crucial to ensuring your overall well-being and self-esteem. It’s also essential to reducing the risk of dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Moreover, having a healthy mouth can make you feel more confident and let you eat and talk better.
While dental care may be crucial for your teeth, you must remember that your gums also need equal love and care. Proper gum care is essential for preventing gum disease. However, it goes beyond brushing your teeth at least twice a day. It also means picking up other good habits and sticking to them.
This article will enumerate five tips to achieve and maintain healthy gums that you can place in your dental care routine.
1. Stop Smoking
The commercials you see on TV and online repeatedly warn viewers and buyers that cigarettes can harm your health. They also have pictures of the unsightly results on the packets to prove their point.
Besides damaging your lungs, smoking can also detriment your dental health. Experts say that smokers are more likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. Smokers are also prone to suffer from periodontitis at a younger age. Moreover, cigarettes weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to heal and combat infections, including gum diseases. Additionally, smoking can cause dry mouth, which can lead to cavities.
You can begin your dental care journey by quitting this bad habit, especially if you already have gum disease. That way, you can live a better and healthier life.
2. Brush Twice a Day
Good dental care begins with brushing your teeth after meals to remove food particles or plaque stuck in your teeth. You can protect your teeth’s enamel by waiting 30 minutes after eating anything before brushing it.
You should also find the right toothbrush. Dentists usually recommend using electric toothbrushes because they’re gentler on the teeth and are more effective in cleaning. On the other hand, manual toothbrushes, especially those with stiff bristles, can cause gum disease if you brush vigorously.
Moreover, you should replace your toothbrush or its head every three months. Additionally, you should change it sooner if the bristles fray.
3. Floss Regularly
Flossing is an essential part of your dental care routine. This daily habit helps remove food and plaque your toothbrush can’t reach. The best thing about flossing is that it has no recommended day. You only need to pick a time that works best for your needs.
However, flossing can be tricky for others to follow because they may feel unmotivated. Fortunately, you can give yourself a motivation boost by starting with one tooth. That way, you can keep going and care for your oral health better.
4. Schedule Regular Cleanings
Booking a dental appointment at least twice a year can help you avoid future problems and maintain oral health. This essential part of your dental care routine is crucial to preventing gum disease.
Moreover, you should book an appointment immediately if you experience symptoms like swollen gums, tenderness, bad breath, bleeding gums, and discolored gums. Additionally, regular professional cleaning schedules can help remove plaque that you can’t eliminate with DIY flossing and brushing.
5. Use the Right Toothpaste and Mouthwash
These dental care products can significantly affect oral health. When shopping for toothpaste and mouthwash, you must ensure they have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance to ensure quality and effectiveness.
Your mouthwash should also rinse away unwanted food particles from your mouth. Moreover, therapeutic mouthwash works best for gum health and should have active ingredients to combat plaque and tooth decay.
Conclusion
Healthy gums are crucial for overall oral health. Practicing these dental care habits and regularly visiting your dentist can help maintain your self-esteem and well-being.
If you want the best dental care in Alexandria, visit Galleria Dental of Alexandria. Our dental practice treats patients of all ages and is committed to delivering the highest quality services. Book your dental appointment now to enjoy healthier gums!