Gums – Oral health entails more than getting a bright white smile. It also entails healthy gums and teeth. When plaque, a sticky film-like substance filled with bacteria, mucus, and food particles, builds up along your gum line, it results in infections that hurt your bone and gum. This leads to gum disease and tooth decay, so you should practice proper oral hygiene. The following are seven ways to keep your gums healthy.
Table of Contents
1. Brush twice a day
The first step to healthier gums is brushing your teeth at least twice a day. This helps to remove food particles and plaque stuck between your teeth. Be sure to scrub along your gum line and tongue as they tend to harbor bacteria too. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when your brush’s bristles are worn out to avoid injuring your gums.
2. Flossing
Flossing at least once a day helps remove food particles and debris beyond your toothbrush’s reach.
3. Use mouthwash
While regular flossing and brushing are the best arsenals for removing plaque, using mouthwash helps to limit the amount of plaque that grows on your gums and teeth. When plaque and food particles between your teeth or around your gums harden, they cause insufficient blood flow, which leads to swollen bleeding gums and tooth decay. Mouthwash for bleeding gums also reduces the rate of tartar buildup, reduces plaque from your teeth, and removes food particles from your mouth.
4. Avoid smoking
You should quit smoking to have stronger and healthier gums and teeth. Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder for your gums to fight infections, leading to the onset of gum diseases. Due to a weaker immune system, it also becomes difficult for your gums to heal if they are damaged.
5. Invest in fluoride toothpaste
Various toothpaste brands on store shelves claim to freshen breath, reduce gingivitis and whiten or brighten the teeth. This makes choosing the right toothpaste difficult and time-consuming. Check the product’s ingredients to determine the right toothpaste that guarantees healthier gums. You should purchase toothpaste that contains fluoride, as this ingredient repairs your enamel layer and strengthens the teeth and gums.
6. Eat a balanced diet
One of the most effective ways to keep your [gums] healthy and your teeth strong is by engaging in a balanced diet. A balanced diet rich in calcium and minerals such as cheese, eggs, almonds, kales, and organic bone broth boosts your gum health through the remineralization process. Be sure to limit your sugar intake, including starchy foods, alcohol, sodas, and candies. Sugary food mixes with oral bacteria in your mouth to produce toxic acids that soften the enamel and damage your gums.
7. Visit your dentist regularly
Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups. You get your teeth cleaned through dental checkups to remove stubborn plaque that you may have missed when flossing or brushing. Professional cleaning also helps eliminate tartar from your teeth. Your dentist examines your teeth so that they can catch early signs of gum diseases.
Endnote
If you are looking to have stronger and healthier [gums], consider brushing and flossing daily, quit smoking, invest in a quality mouthwash, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental care checkups.
