When talking about having a great smile or dental health in general, we always base it on how white and clean the teeth are. All the commercials and ads that market toothbrushes and toothpaste always show models with straight, white teeth smiling at the camera. And while it is true that whitening and cleaning the teeth are important factors in having an awesome smile, the gums are very important too. When you smile, you are visible. And when we talk about dental health, we also need to examine our gums. What good is it to have cavity and plaque-free teeth if your gums are not healthy? Gingivitis and other gum diseases can lead to more complex problems if not treated.
We sometimes forget about our gums when it comes to our dental care routines. It could be because gum diseases tend to be painless and even if pain is experienced, it is tolerable. This oversight can lead to more serious problems. Gum disease can weaken the gums and cause you to lose a tooth or two. And yes, you can lose cavity-free teeth due to gum disease. Dental hygiene is not just about taking care of our teeth, it is also about putting equal effort in making sure that your gums are healthy.
Floss
Flossing your teeth can help remove food debris and plaque in between the teeth. This also helps in cleaning the part of the gum where your toothbrush is unable to reach. It does not matter when you floss your teeth for as long as you do it once a day.
Use A Soft Bristled Toothbrush
Our gums are tender and can easily be irritated with hard toothbrush bristles. Be gentle on them and go for a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also when brushing the gums, don’t brush too hard. The key is being gentle.
Visit The Dentist Regularly
Complications in your gums are hard to detect. They are either painless or have very little symptoms. Even if you are already practicing good dental care, it is still best to have an expert look at you. Visit your dentist regularly so you can get a thorough dental cleaning and detect any early signs of gum disease.
Watch What You Eat
Ever since we were kids, we were always told to not eat too much candy or sweets. As adults, we now know how true this is. Consuming sweets and sugary drinks should be minimized. It is also recommended to rinse your mouth with water after eating or consuming anything sweet. Eat calcium-rich foods like cheese and milk.