It is very important to maintain healthy gums so you don’t get gum disease. Gum disease happens when you develop plaque that builds up underneath your gum line. Plaque contains bacteria which can cause your gums to become infected leading to gum disease and tooth decay. If you are noticing that your gums are becoming inflamed, red, tender, bleeding or swollen you may be at risk for gum disease. The good news is that gum disease can be reversible if you follow these 5 steps to maintain healthy gums.
1. Brush & floss.
Flossing is very important to do at least once a day and brushing at least twice a day. People tend to forget about flossing and then the plaque that is missed from brushing can get into your gum line and start the process of gum disease. You can floss in the morning, in the day, at night it doesn’t matter just make sure you are doing it at least once a day.
2. Regular check ups and cleanings.
Going to your dentist every six months for your dental check ups and cleanings are extremely important. Our dentist and hygienists can spot early detection’s of gum disease and can treat it before it becomes more serious. A professional cleaning from one of our excellent hygienists is the only way you are going to remove tartar from deep underneath your gum line.
3. Stop smoking.
There are many reasons to quit smoking and now there’s another one, gum disease. When you smoke it weakens your immune system which makes it harder for you to fight off gum disease. Also smoking slows down your healing process so if your gums do become infected it will take a lot longer for your gums to heal.
4. Fluoride toothpaste.
Using toothpaste with fluoride can help reduce gum disease. When you are buying your toothpaste make sure that there is an ADA seal on it because then you know it’s approved by the American Dental Association.
5. Therapeutic mouthwash.
A therapeutic mouthwash helps reduce plaque buildup and can prevent or reduce any chance of gingivitis. These mouthwashes are typically available over the counter and will help you prevent gum disease by keeping your oral hygiene healthy.
By doing these 5 steps regularly to maintain healthy gums you will prevent any chance of gum disease and keep your smile as healthy as it could be. Give us a call at 215-568-6222 to schedule your routine dental cleaning with the best hygienists in Philadelphia!