Many people wake up in the morning, brush their teeth, and head off to work. While they may think this is a great way to keep your gums healthy, they are sadly mistaken. Many people follow the rule of brushing their teeth twice a day but forget that a toothbrush cannot clean every single crevice in their mouths. Their teeth may look healthy, but eventually the entire mouth will pay for the lack of gum care.
Not only should you be brushing twice a day but you should be flossing once a day as well. If you think that brushing enough to prevent gum disease, you would also be wrong. Keep reading to learn about 5 ways you can keep your gums and mouth healthy for years to come.
Tip 1: Brush Teeth, Gums, and Tongue Twice a Day
It is important to remember to brush your teeth once in the morning and once in the evening. Make sure that you are brushing for 2 minutes every single time you brush. It is also extremely important to brush along the gum line as well as your tongue. This helps to reduce the amount of bacteria that live on the surface of the gums. If you are just brushing your teeth and not your gums and tongue, then this is not the proper way to brush.
Tip 2: Floss Once a Day
Even though brushing is extremely important, you must not forget to floss regularly. A toothbrush is not able to get in between your teeth and clean the crevices. Plaque and food get lodged into these crevices which causes bacteria to form in between the teeth and gums. Sticky film gets stuck onto the gums and teeth which causes the bacteria to form which puts you at a higher risk for gum disease. Make sure you are flossing once a day with dental floss or a soft pick brush.
Tip 3: Rinse with Antiseptic Mouthwash
After you are done brushing your teeth you need to make sure you are rinsing your mouth with antiseptic mouthwash. Generally, the mouthwash you purchase will say antibacterial or anti-plaque. Using mouthwash helps to flush away any bacteria that is loose and reduces this harmful bacteria that could eventually cause plaque to form and lead to gum disease. Make sure you choose a mouthwash that is alcohol free because alcohol can dry out your mouth and make it hard for the bacteria to be flushed away.
Tip 4: Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year
One of the most important things you can do in order to keep your gums healthy is to visit a dentist at least twice a year. The dentist will be able to perform a checkup in order to determine the health of your gums. You could very well be doing everything you are supposed to but could still develop gum disease. Your dentist will check your medical history, check for bleeding, as well as pockets. They will also perform a cleaning which helps eliminate the bacteria on your teeth before it travels to your gums.
Tip 5: Watch for Signs of Gum Disease
Even if you take every precaution, it is still very important to check for signs of gum disease. For starters, you must check to see if you have any tender or swollen gums. If you are experiencing any kind of pain or swelling, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Watch for loose or separating teeth as this could be sign of a serious problem.
Taking care of your mouth means not just taking care of your teeth but also taking care of your gums. Less problems will occur if you follow these steps and care for both your teeth and your gums. Your next dental visit will be a lot less stressful if you do.
Contact us to make your next dentist appointment.