Keeping your mouth healthy starts with the gums. We want to share a few tips for proper gum health. In addition, taking care to get dental cleanings every six months can make a real difference in the health of your gums. Make sure to visit South High Dental in Columbia, OH for your 6-month cleanings.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is one of the early stages of gum disease. It starts when food particles and bacteria build up around the gum line. This build-up turns into a sticky substance called plaque that gradually works its way into the gumline. Early signs of infection include:
- Redness and inflammation
- Tender to the touch
- Swollen gums
- Bleeding during flossing and brushing
When gingivitis worsens into more severe stages of gum disease, the infection spreads further into the gum and bone. Although it is a disease of the gums, gingivitis also causes decay in teeth.
The late stage of gum disease is periodontitis. An Ohio periodontist will need to address your condition. Surgery may be necessary. Gum disease can impact your ability to bite and chew and may leave you needing tooth extractions.
What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
Healthy gums are firm and pink. Flossing and brushing should not cause bleeding of the gums.
A healthy smile and pain-free chewing aren’t the only benefits of maintaining your gum health. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. Having healthy gums improves your overall health!
How to Improve and Maintain The Health of Your Gums
Starting the right routine for oral care will reduce the build-up of plaque and tartar. This will improve your gum health as well. Here are some tips for proper oral care:
Brushing
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is a great way to maintain a healthy mouth. For best results, brush your teeth after every meal. Brushing removes plaque from between your teeth and gums.
Using a toothpaste that contains fluoride reduces the chances of gingivitis even further. Fluoride treatments at your dentist or at home freshen your breath, whiten teeth, and improve gum health.
There are many helpful tools and apps to help you brush your teeth properly. Home dental care is extremely important, but visiting your general dentist every six months is essential. Your dentist can make recommendations and demonstrate how to use certain tools. A dentist can also offer insight into how to address any dental issues you are experiencing.
Flossing
Using dental floss between your teeth is the cornerstone of proper dental care. Flossing affects your gums as much as it affects your teeth. The more often you floss, the more food and bacteria you’ll remove from hard-to-reach places between your teeth.
Rinsing with Mouthwash
Mouthwash kills bacteria living in your mouth on teeth and gums. Using this in addition to teeth brushing and flossing keeps your teeth and gums healthy.
6-Month Cleanings
Please follow your dentist’s recommendation for how often to schedule teeth cleanings. Most dentists recommend cleanings every six months.
What to Avoid
Along with maintaining your oral care routine, avoiding certain habits will help you improve your gum health. For instance, smoking and chewing tobacco are linked to gum disease. These habits also lower your immune system, decreasing your body’s ability to fight infection.
Consuming sugar (in any form) increases your chance of gum disease and tooth decay. Bacteria feed on these sugars and reproduce in your mouth. Avoiding candy and soda is a great way to prevent gum disease.
Maintain Healthy Gums at South High Dental
South High Dental has provided Family, Cosmetic, and General Dentistry services in Columbus, Ohio since 1989. Whether you need routine dental care or need to treat an existing issue, our team is ready to help get your mouth in its best shape yet!
Services at South High Dental include:
- Teeth whitening
- Gum disease treatment
- Dental cavity filling
- Wisdom teeth removal
To learn more about gum health, contact us today by calling 614.363.2462 to schedule an appointment.
