Following on from our post last week about gum disease, today we will discuss simple tips you can follow in order to help prevent gum disease or to help slow the progress if you are suffering from gum disease.
Healthy Gums Tip 1 – Brush Regularly
It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride containing toothpaste. This will help remove bacteria, plaque and food from the surfaces of the teeth and around the gums. You may either use a manual or a battery powered toothbrush, ensuring that you use the advised technique for best results.
Healthy Gums Tip 2 – Change Your Toothbrush
It is best to replace your toothbrush or head every 3 months in order to be able to maintain optimal cleaning. If your brush starts fraying before this time, it may need changing sooner. This may also be a sign you’re pressing a bit too hard when brushing, so try gentler pressure.
Healthy Gums Tip 3 – Cleaning In Between The Teeth
However good your toothbrush is, it can’t reach all the little gaps in between the teeth and gums. It’s important to use floss or an interdental brush on a daily basis to remove the deposits in between the teeth. If you haven’t flossed for a while, it’s likely you’re gums will bleed at first. Don’t be put off, this is a sign of inflammation and as you floss regularly, this will improve.
Healthy Gums Tip 4 – Use a Tongue Scraper
If you haven’t seen or heard of a tongue scraper before, don’t worry, many people haven’t. They are great to remove the deposits and bacteria that build up on the tongue daily. Your tongue acts like a sponge and soaks up bacteria from eating and drinking. The tongue scraper removes these, leaving your tongue looking better and your mouth feeling cleaner.
Healthy Gums Tip 5 – Use a Mouthwash
Daily use of a fluoride containing mouthwash will reduce the amount of bacteria and plaque present in the mouth, as well as leaving your mouth feeling a lot fresher and healthier
Healthy Gums Tip 6 – Healthy Lifestyle
As discussed in our previous post, there is a direct link between gum disease and overall health. Smoking is well known to increase the risk and severity of gum disease. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle will boost your immune system to naturally help improve the condition of your mouth.
Healthy Gums Tip 7 – Visit Your Dentist Regularly
By visiting your dentist and hygienist on a regular basis, you will be able to improve and maintain the condition of your gums. At Brightside Dental, our dental hygienist Sanaz is highly trained in preventing and managing gum disease and will work with you on the best ways to maintain your gums. Our aim is for you to have a healthy mouth and body for life.
For further information or to arrange an appointment call us on 020 88884401.
