When it comes to oral health, your gums are just as important as your teeth.
We all want a bright, healthy smile and when it comes to your overall oral health, it’s important that you take good care of your gums as well as your teeth. Gum disease is a common condition, but it’s one that can be prevented with the right habits. Read on for our top tips on achieving and maintaining optimal gum health in the long term…
Don’t forget to floss
It’s no secret that it’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, but did you know that you should also floss at least once daily? Flossing helps to remove plaque and leftover food particles from between the teeth and gum line, and gets rid of debris that your toothbrush simply can’t reach. To floss properly, use about 45 centimetres of dental floss and wind most of it around both of your index fingers, leaving just 2.5 to 5 centimetres for your teeth. Hold the floss taut and move it gently between your teeth. Be careful to avoid your gums to prevent scratching and bruising the soft tissues.
Go for professional cleans
We highly recommend that you see your dentist for regular check-up and cleans. During a professional clean, any plaque and tartar that has built up on your teeth and gums will be removed. If you have gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease, it can often be reversed with regular cleanings. Some of the common symptoms of gingivitis include inflamed, tender, red, swollen or bleeding gums. If you have noticed any of these issues, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Brush your teeth
Good oral hygiene habits are key when it comes to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. For this reason, it’s important that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Brushing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and gums and helps to prevent a range of issues from developing, including gum disease and tooth decay. Also, don’t forget to clean your tongue as bacteria can build up in this area of the mouth as well.
Consider using a mouthwash
Although it is no substitute for brushing and flossing, a good quality anti-bacterial mouthwash can help to prevent gingivitis from developing and reduce plaque from building up in the mouth. Rinsing your mouth after meals is also helpful in removing leftover food particles, plus it freshens one’s breath.
How can we help?
At Zen Dental Studio, we understand the importance of preventative care and encourage all of our patients to come in for regular general check-ups and cleans. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do for your overall oral health.
If you would like to find out what to expect at a check-up, please have a look here. Besides general dentistry, we also offer children’s, cosmetic, restorative and emergency dentistry, as well as a number of orthodontic treatments. To find out about the full range of services that we offer, please have a look here.
If you’re ready to make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice in Bridgeman Downs.