The Basics of Maintaining Healthier Gums

How well do you care about your oral health? Would brushing and flossing the teeth regularly suffice to maintain a healthy set of teeth and gums? What would be the best ways to care for your gums and ensure their health? Here’s a brief read that will help you understand this better.

How are gum diseases caused?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are two of the most commonly seen gum diseases. Gingivitis is the milder type between the two and is often the starting stage of periodontitis. These gum diseases are primarily caused due to the accumulated plaque and tartar deposits near the gum line and on the tooth roots. Tartar will be teaming with thousands of harmful bacteria that release toxins when they feed on the food residues in the mouth. These toxins are often the main cause of cavities and gum disease, as they can erode the enamel and decay the soft tissues of the mouth.

How can you maintain healthier gums?

Caring for your gums is crucial, as it directly influences your oral health. You can do so by adhering to the following:

Brush regularly: Brushing and flossing the teeth gets rid of the majority of microbes from your mouth. Brushing for at least 2 minutes twice a day helps you hit all the crucial spots on the teeth just enough to avoid microbial deposition on them. This allows you to maintain healthier gums that are devoid of any infections. It is best to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid abrasive injuries to the gums and keep them from receding below the ideal gum line. Also, please be wary of the gums when you floss to avoid cutting them when you reach the bottom of the tooth crowns.

Visit the dentist regularly: Ideally, one should visit the dentist for routine consultations bi-annually, during which we would conduct a thorough diagnosis of the mouth. Most importantly, we will check for tartar deposits on the teeth and tooth roots and remove them by ultrasonic scaling. This process is vital in keeping gum diseases at bay and avoiding cavities as well. Also, if you have any mild gum disease, the dentist will suggest suitable medication to treat it.

Avoid the use of tobacco: Tobacco is known to contain numerous carcinogens. No matter how you use tobacco - either smoking or chewing it, it can significantly increase your chances of developing gum disease and even oral cancer. Avoiding the use of tobacco can help you maintain healthier gum tissues.

You may schedule a consultation with our team of dental experts by calling us at (815) 847-9292 or reaching us through an online query. We’re always happy to help.