Gum Care Month: Top Tips

Oral health is not only about having straight teeth or the brightest smile. Your gums play an essential role. Even if your teeth are white and free of cavities, you are still at risk of gum disease if you do not take proper care of them. Since gum disease is often painless, you may not know your gums are at risk.

Gum disease develops when plaque forms and builds up on and under your gum line. The bacteria-filled sticky film can cause infections. As a result, this can harm your gums and bone, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Gingivitis can also develop because of plaque. A sign of gingivitis includes irritated gums that are swollen, tender, inflamed, red, and prone to bleeding. Fortunately, the damage is reversible since it does not impact the tissue and bone that hold your teeth.

Periodontitis develops when the gum disease advances. It impacts the bones holding your teeth and can ruin your tissues, bones, and gums if left untreated. To avoid gum disease from progressing to this stage, follow the following top tips to help care for your gums.
 

Pay Attention to Your Gums When You Brush Your Teeth

Most people pay attention to ensuring their teeth are white and clean whenever they brush their teeth. They forget about their gums. It is essential to be keen about your gums, especially where they join with your teeth. Plaque begins forming in such areas, and if left uncleaned, the sticky film will gradually coat your teeth.

Plaque is full of bacteria that can cause tooth decay. It can also spread into your gums, cause irritation, and cause the development of gum disease. 
 

Brush Using a Soft Bristled Toothbrush

The American Dental Academy advises people to brush their teeth using soft-bristled toothbrushes. They recommend doing so because using hard-bristled toothbrushes damages the gums. It pulls them away from the teeth and, as a result, increases the risk of gum disease.

Electric toothbrushes also help with additional cleaning. They work without too much effort to clean your teeth.
 

Floss Daily

Most people fail to floss their teeth daily. They often find it time-consuming and would opt to stick to brushing their teeth without flossing. However, doing so is not enough to maintain your oral hygiene.

Flossing is essential as it reaches the tiny food particles that wedge into your gums and lodge between your teeth. Food particles trapped between teeth and the gumline can decompose if left unremoved. As a result, the decomposition attracts bacteria and triggers the onset of infections and inflammation. When this happens, you begin experiencing the early development signs of gum disease. Flossing every day can benefit your gum health and general well-being.
 

Quit Smoking

Smoking endangers your gums and general health. It is among the causes of the development of gum disease. Conventional cigarettes are not the only thing to blame. E-cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and chewing tobacco also increase your risk for gum disease.
 

Regular Dental Visits

Consider your dentist reliable when you want to take care of your gums. Regular dental visits can help them monitor your gum condition and health. They can also remove plaques and tartar from areas your toothbrush cannot reach. They can do so through dental cleanings. Your dentist can help nip any gum disease signs before they progress and cause severe damage.

For more about gum care, visit Fei Hwang, D.D.S. Milpitas Family, and Cosmetic Dentist, at our office in Milpitas, California. Call (408) 729-7882 to schedule an appointment today.