Gum Health Tips

When it comes to excellent oral hygiene, teeth sometimes receive all of the focus. Gum care, on the other hand, is equally vital for keeping your mouth and the rest of your body healthy. Luckily, there are many gum health tips you can use at home to better take care of your dental health. Read on to learn more from our Dentist in St. Petersburg. 

National Gum Care Month

September is National Gum Care Month, making it the perfect opportunity to discuss gum health.  Below, Dr. Brian Leeson, our dentist in St. Pete, shares his top gum health tips. 

Correctly Clean Your Teeth & Gums

Brushing your teeth not only cleans them, but also stimulates your gums. However, our dentist 33704 explains this entails the following:

• First, make sure you are using a soft bristle brush.
• Next, brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle along the gum line.
• In addition, make sure to brush all tooth surfaces, including the interior, exterior, and chewing surfaces. Ensure that you are brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day.

Use the Proper Toothpaste.

In the grocery store’s oral care section, you’ll find a seemingly infinite variety of toothpaste. Fluoride, tartar-fighting powers, enamel protection, and safe, effective chemicals are distinguishing features of high-quality toothpaste, as shown by the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

Aside from these characteristics, seek for toothpaste with a nice flavor and texture, as well as optional extras like whitening and a sensitive formula. If you are prone to canker sores, avoid toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate, as well as toothpaste that is excessively abrasive.

Floss Daily

To begin, flossing eliminates food and plaque from between the teeth and along the gum line. Tartar may develop if this material is not removed. This hard bacteria accumulation hurts your gums and can lead to gum disease. Thus, Dr. Leeson, the best dentist in St. Pete, suggests making flossing a regular ritual. It makes no difference when you do it – in the morning, after lunch, in the evening, before or after brushing your teeth—just do it!

Use a Therapeutic Mouthwash 

While there are several mouthwash formulations available, they always fall into one of two main categories: aesthetic and medicinal. Cosmetic rinses reduce bad breath momentarily and leave a pleasant aftertaste in the mouth. They do not, however, have any long-term chemical or biological consequences.

Dr. Hoang, Bethlehem GA dentist, suggests using therapeutic mouthwash. We agree. This type of mouthwash contains active ingredients that successfully decrease plaque, eliminate bacteria that cause foul breath, combat tooth decay, and help prevent gingivitis. Look for the following components on a mouthwash container to help you recognize it as therapeutic:

Visit the Dentist Regularly

Your dentist will examine the general health of your mouth and look for signs of gum disease. Following that, a professional cleaning eliminates any plaque that you may have missed when brushing. Only expert dental instruments, such as scrapers and ultrasonic machines, can remove dark tartar stains from your teeth.

Regular dental checkups can detect gum disease in its early stages, known as gingivitis. At this time, it is possible to reverse the damage and avoid the development of more serious periodontal disease.

Give Up Smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is a major cause of serious gum disease. Because smoking lowers your immune system, it makes it more difficult for your gums to recover if they get infected or damaged. If you use tobacco in any form, your chance of gum disease doubles, and the risk increases as you smoke more and for a longer period of time.

Watch What You Eat

Your diet can have an immediate influence on the health of your teeth and gums. Reduce the use of hazardous foods such as soda, alcohol, sweets, and starchy meals. Replace them with these better-for-your-mouth alternatives, such as fruit, dairy products, and foods with fluoride. 

Prioritize Proper Gum Care

National Gum Care Month is a fantastic opportunity to reevaluate your dental health practices, but to avoid gum disease, you must be diligent all year. Contact 4th St. Family Dentistry today to schedule your next cleaning.