Pink Ranges: 6 Ways To Keep Your Gums Healthy
Aside from polishing our pearly white teeth, taking care of our gums is just as crucial. They are the tissue of the upper and lower jaws surrounding the base of our teeth. Gum disease can happen when gums are left unattended, as plaque builds up under and along the gum line. Aside from hurting the gums and bone, it can develop into gingivitis and tooth decay.
Poor gum health can also lead to periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease. It impacts the bones that hold your teeth in place, and when left untreated, can ruin the gums, bones, and tissues connected to your teeth.
Luckily, gum disease is very much preventable. Here are a few ways to keep your gums healthy:
Brush twice a day
It's already common knowledge to brush after every meal. This strategically removes the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums, which can become harmful the longer they remain. Take time to scrub your tongue too as it can easily shelter bacteria.
Go for brushes with soft bristles that fit in your mouth comfortably, as advised by the Mayo Clinic. Every three to four months is the optimum interval for swapping toothbrushes and toothbrush heads, or when bristles start to wear down.
Fluoride toothpaste
Toothpaste can come in various kinds in the grocery store with different highlighted benefits such as reducing gingivitis, freshening breath, and whitening teeth. Opt for toothpaste that contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of acceptance. Enjoy matching flavors and colors of your choice.
Floss
Flossing can easily be done at least once a day to clean the gums. It removes the plaque and food that exceeds your toothbrush's reach, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). You can do it anytime and it'll still support your gums and teeth.
Dental cleanings
A dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms when you meet them on a regular basis, treating symptoms before they become more serious. Professional cleaning during a visit is the only way to remove tartar. They can also eliminate any plaque you might have missed when brushing or flossing.
Quit smoking
Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease as it weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off a gum infection, say the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It also makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they've been damaged.
Therapeutic mouthwash
Therapeutic mouthwashes help by reducing plaque, preventing or reducing gingivitis, reducing the speed that tarter develops, or a combination of these benefits, according to the ADA. A moment to rinse helps remove food particles and debris from your mouth, though it's not a substitute for flossing or brushing.
Having so many routines to follow can be overwhelming or discouraging, but the key is consistency. Brushing along regularly helps maintain your gum's health, as well as using the right products. You may also want to try KPTown's offer of Insadol Plus which secures the teeth firmly to the gums and eliminates gaps where germs can enter. It also promotes the formation of gum and bones and strengthens the periodontal ligament.