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How to Maintain Healthy Gums
Cherrywood Dental • Sep 13, 2013
When we picture a perfect smile, we’re focusing on the teeth, not the gums. Because they aren’t as apparent, healthy gums don’t get quite the same level of attention as healthy teeth. While strong teeth may seem more important to a smile, they would be nowhere without strong gums to support them. When your gums begin to ail and are stricken with gingivitis, they begin to be unable to do their job. At the same time, the close connection between gum health and tooth health means it’s simple to take care of both with excellent oral hygiene.
Daily Steps for Healthy Gums
- Don’t forget to floss! Flossing will remove bacteria from areas that your toothbrush can’t access, and will help prevent the buildup of plaque at the gum line.
- Get your vitamin C. Vitamin C keeps your oral tissues strong and stimulates new tissue growth.
- Use mouthwash. Alcohol-free mouthwash will kill harmful bacteria throughout your mouth, even in areas that you don’t brush or floss. This reduction in bacteria levels is great for your periodontal health.
- Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is just plain good for you, and also rinses away any bacteria or acids that may be lurking in your mouth.
- Keep regular dental appointments. Dr. Pakpour and Dr. Barzgar need to see you often to ensure that gum disease isn’t taking hold.
- Make sure you’re not grinding your teeth. Teeth grinding will lead to gums receding, exposing tooth roots and making the area susceptible to disease and decay.
Periodontal Treatment for Ailing Gums
If your gums are reddened, swollen, tender, or bleeding, it’s time for a dental intervention. Cherrywood Dental’s laser periodontal treatment will eliminate disease and help regenerate to prevent periodontitis from taking hold again in the future. Learn more by visiting our Periodontal Treatment page, and schedule your next dental exam to stay on a healthy track!