Let’s talk about your gums! We cannot overstate how important it is to maintain healthy gums, so in honor of Gum Care Month, we’re going to dedicate some time to educating you on how to care for your gums and avoid gum disease.
What Do Gums Do?
Your gums are vital to your oral and overall health. They hold your teeth in place and provide a barrier against harmful bacteria. You need healthy gums to keep your teeth and the rest of your mouth healthy as well.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums
Fortunately, taking care of your gums is mostly a matter of good oral hygiene habits and lifestyle choices. Here are some simple steps anyone can take at home to ensure their gums stay healthy for life:
- Brush your teeth every morning and before bed. If you’re really serious about oral health, brush your teeth after lunch too. Brushing your teeth cleans away bacteria and food debris to prevent plaque from building up on teeth and along the gumline.
- Floss your teeth every night before going to bed. Again, if you want to do a little more, we recommend flossing after every meal to keep food from remaining between teeth and plaque from lingering as well. Flossing is especially beneficial for gum health. Just be sure to floss gently so as not to bruise the sensitive soft tissue.
- Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash. After brushing and flossing, a quick swish with a bacteria-fighting mouthwash will take care of anything your toothbrush and dental floss may have missed. Plus, it will make your breath smell nice.
- Visit Cool Springs Laser Dentistry at least twice a year for an oral hygiene examination and professional cleaning. During your preventive dentistry appointments, we clean off the plaque and tartar you cannot remove with simple brushing and flossing, and we check for signs of gum disease. When you visit us regularly, we can catch problems early and treat them right away, which is easier on you and your wallet.
- Make healthy choices. Everything you put in your mouth affects your oral health. That goes for the food you eat and any habits you have, like smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco. Avoiding tobacco and vaping will save your gums, and eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and veggies will contribute to your overall oral health.
How to Spot a Problem
Healthy gums are pink and firm. They should not look puffy or red. They should not feel sore or sensitive, and they should not bleed when you brush or floss. If you notice anything that looks or feels off, call our office located in Brentwood, TN. We can schedule an appointment to examine your gums for any potential issues. If we find gum disease, we will recommend a treatment plan to get your oral health back on track.
If you are due for a cleaning or have any oral health concerns, call our office to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life!
