Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and the truth is, it says a lot about you. So, what exactly is yours saying?
Research shows that more than 25% of people hate their smiles. The good news, though, is that you can take steps to protect your smile by protecting your gums.
Gum disease is common, and you can easily get it if you have poor oral hygiene. So, here are four tips on how to improve gum health.
Let’s jump in!
1. Flossing
If you’re like many people, you may overlook this step in your dental routine. But you shouldn’t.
Here’s why.
Flossing helps to remove any food and plaque — the debris that builds up on your teeth after you eat — that your toothbrush can’t reach.
The great news is that you can floss anytime you wish — after lunch, at night or in the morning before you start your day.
2. Brushing
Brushing your teeth is another critical step in your dental care routine. The mistake that many people make, though, is not brushing frequently enough.
Ideally, you should brush your pearly whites after each meal. This will help to remove any plaque and food that is caught between your gums and teeth.
You should also brush your tongue, as the tongue can easily harbor bacteria.
Make sure that your toothbrush’s bristles are soft and that the head of the brush can fit comfortably in your mouth.
Also, if possible, choose an electric or battery-powered toothbrush. This type of brush can be more effective at reducing plaque and gum disease compared with a manual toothbrush.
And one more thing: Change out your toothbrush or toothbrush head every quarter, or more frequently if your bristles begin to fray.
3. Using Mouthwash
Using a therapeutic mouthwash is yet another smart way to keep your gums in good condition. Therapeutic washes can decrease plaque, reduce or prevent gum disease and decrease how quickly tarter — or hardened plaque — forms on the teeth.
A mouth rinse also helps to remove debris and food particles from the mouth. However, you’ll still need to floss and brush to keep your gums in optimal health.
As with flossing, you can feel free to use a mouthwash anytime during the day. Try to use a rinse that has received the American Dental Association’s seal of approval, which indicates that the product is considered to be safe and effective.
4. Get Cleanings
This is another important step in protecting your gums, as a dentist can spot the early symptoms of gum disease if you go to the dentist regularly.
With a dentist’s help, you can treat your gum disease symptoms before they grow into something more serious.
Also, a dental cleaning is the only method available for removing tartar. Dental cleanings can additionally help you to remove plaque that you neglected to remove when brushing or flossing.
Finally, a wide range of cosmetic dentistry procedures — such as veneers and teeth whitening — can give you a whole new smile so that you both feel and look great.
How We Can Help You to Learn How to Improve Gum Health
In addition to highlighting how to improve gum health, we offer a wide range of other dental health tips.
For example, we provide a glimpse at the link between your oral health and your overall health. In addition, you can learn about how to find the right dentist.
Take a peek here to find out more about how we can help you to keep your smile healthy long term.