Tips to Help You Keep Your Gums in Good Shape
Gum disease affects half of all US adults, but it's surprisingly simple to prevent. Because this oral disease has potential consequences such as oral abscesses and tooth loss, prevention is a vital part of maintaining good oral health. Use these simple tips to keep your gums in good health and prevent gum disease from taking hold.
At-Home Gum Care
The most important thing that you can do to maintain good gum health is to have a regular and consistent at-home oral care routine. This is vital because it's so easy for gum disease to develop—and because early symptoms of gum disease often go unnoticed until you see your dentist. To keep your gums healthy in between dental visits, good at-home care is essential.
For good gum health that means twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and daily use of an antibacterial mouthwash. It's also important to choose the right tools to carry out these tasks. For instance:
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. These are less irritating for the gums, even when used two or more times a day, but are still strong enough to clean the teeth thoroughly.
• If you have limited hand mobility, consider using an electric toothbrush to make it easier to clean your teeth and gums properly.
• Choose the right floss for your teeth. If you have large gaps between your teeth, choose dental tape. If your dexterity isn't so good, use a floss pick to provide extra stability.
Whatever your oral care routine consists of, the key is to practice it consistently. Brush, floss, and use mouthwash, every day, and the most important part of the battle against gum disease is taken care of.
Remember also to support gum health with a low-sugar diet to help prevent the growth of the oral bacteria that cause gum disease. Snack on crisp, crunchy veggies and fruit to help scrape plaque away from teeth and gums, and chew sugar-free gum when you’re unable to brush after a snack or meal.
Get Regular Professional Care
Along with maintaining a good at-home oral care routine, it’s also important to see your dentist regularly. This is vital when it comes to gum health, partly because it’s hard to spot the early signs of gum disease. But another reason is that for many people, even the best at-home oral care isn’t enough to completely prevent the development of gum disease. Regular dental visits—at least one to two times a year—are recommended to ensure that your gums stay healthy.