Caring for Your Gums: Tips and Care Strategies

When it comes to dental care, it’s easy for a patient to get so focused on his or her teeth that the gums end up being little more than an afterthought. The problem, though, is that your mouth can never truly be healthy unless your gums are properly cared for. Unfortunately, far too little attention is paid to educating the public about the proper strategy for maintaining healthy gums. To help you achieve your healthy-mouth goals, here are some simple tips and care strategies you can use to protect your gums and prevent future problems.

• Brush your teeth, tongue, and gums daily. You should be brushing at least twice a day, and preferably after each meal. That’s the best way to get rid of the plaque and debris that can sometimes get lodged between the teeth and gums, while removing bacteria that tends to linger on the tongue.
• Floss every day. Yes, we know that you’ve been told about flossing for most of your life – but it’s true. Your toothbrush can only remove so much plaque and debris and cannot get into those tiny spots between the teeth. No matter how you might feel about flossing, it’s something that you simply must do if you want healthy gums.
• Watch those lifestyle habits. Do you smoke? Stop! Smoking not only disrupts your body’s immune system but will do real damage to your gums over time. And if you get an infection in your mouth? Well, that weakened immune system will make it harder for your body to fight off the infection.
• Do you tend to graze on sugary snacks throughout the day? Either cut back, quit, or make sure that you have a tooth brush handy to get rid of those sugars as soon as possible. Never leave sugary deposits in your mouth for any extended period of time.
• Make sure you use mouthwash each day. Those therapeutic mouthwashes that you’ve always been told to use really do have a purpose other than freshening your breath. They complete the daily hygiene process of plaque removal and have an overall positive impact on the prevention of gingivitis and tartar development. Find a dentist-approved mouthwash and commit to rinsing with it after every brushing.
• Visit your dentist as scheduled. This is a no-brainer, and yet many Americans routinely avoid the dentist’s office. Just remember that there’s only so much that you can do on your own. For the best protection and long-term maintenance of your teeth and gums, you need the preventive care that only a professional dentist can provide. So, make an appointment – and show up for the care you need.

Healthy teeth are a priority for most of us, but we cannot ignore those gums. The fact is that gum disease can lead to tooth loss and even more serious health problems. Worse yet, it’s entirely preventable if you prioritize gum health daily. As these tips demonstrate, however, you have the power and tools you need to protect your gum health for life.