Some people don’t pay enough attention to their gums when cleaning their mouths. That often leads to plaque buildup along and under the gum lines. The substance is usually filled with bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. When suffering from gum disease, you will have inflamed, red, tender, and swollen gums. To ensure that you do not experience these symptoms, you need to start doing things that will help you improve your gum health. Here is how you can improve your gum health.
Floss Regularly
Flossing your teeth can help improve your gum health. It removes plaque and food particles that a toothbrush cannot remove. That can help prevent plaque buildup along your gum line and between your teeth.
To experience all the benefits associated with flossing, you should floss once or twice every day using clean floss. You can decide to use PTEE or nylon floss when flossing. PTEE floss is the best option to go for, especially if your teeth are closely packed together.
Rinse Your Mouth Regularly Using a Mouthwash
A mouthwash can help prevent gum disease. When you rinse your mouth using this liquid, it will remove any leftover food particles and plaque in your mouth. However, you should not use the liquid as a substitute for brushing and flossing. Instead, you should brush your teeth, floss them and then rinse your mouth using a mouthwash.
You should ensure that you buy an antiseptic mouthwash that contains fluoride. Dentists can help you choose the best mouthwash. Use your mouthwash properly. For instance, you should let the mouthwash sit in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before you spit it.
Brush Your Teeth Properly
Brushing your teeth twice every day can help you improve your gum health. It will help you remove any plaque buildup in your mouth, stimulating gum recovery. However, you should ensure that you brush your teeth well. For instance, when brushing your teeth, place your toothbrush at a 43-degree angle to your teeth and gums. That will help you effectively clean along your gum line and your teeth. You should also ensure that you clean all the quadrants of your mouth.
To further improve your gum health, you should buy an electric toothbrush. Such a toothbrush will effectively clean your mouth, lowering the chances of suffering from gingivitis. Although such toothbrushes are more expensive than regular toothbrushes, they are worth buying.
Go For Regular Dental Checkups
Many people only visit dental care clinics when in need of dental treatment. If you are one of these, you should start going for regular dental check-ups. Go for a dental checkup at least twice a year, depending on your oral health. During this check-up, your dentist will examine your teeth, mouth, and gums. If there is any plaque buildup on your teeth or gum line, the dentist will clean it. The dentist will also identify any signs of gum disease early and offer you the right treatment. In case you have any dental implants in place, the dentist will advise you on what to do to them to improve your gum health.
Use Toothpaste That Contains Fluoride
Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, is commonly found in rocks and soil. The mineral prevents plaque buildup on teeth and gum lines. It also slows down the acid production by the bacteria contained in the plaque. That is why you need to buy toothpaste that contains this mineral.
To ensure that you buy such toothpaste, look for the American Dental Association‘s approval seal on the toothpaste claimed to contain fluoride. You should only purchase kinds of toothpaste that have this seal. You should also ensure that the toothpaste’s flavoring agents do not contain sugar and that the toothpaste contains active ingredients that help prevent gingivitis.
Around 50% of U.S adults aged 30 and above suffer from gum disease. If you are among them, you should consider practices that can help you improve your gum health. They include brushing your teeth twice every day, flossing at least once every day, and using fluoride toothpaste. Going for regular dental check-ups and rinsing your mouth using an antiseptic mouthwash can also help improve your gum health.
