If there was an unsung hero of the mouth, it would be the gums. The tongue has all the fun, tasting delectable delights, the teeth steal the show with their pearly white smiles, and the gums bear it all with a steadfast commitment to being the overlooked glue that keeps the whole gang together.
Your gums are more integral to the health and wellbeing of your mouth than you probably know. In fact, even the most perfect-looking teeth mean very little if your gums are suffering. Worse still, most gum disease tends to be painless, allowing it to sneak up on you and wreak havoc under the radar.
When gums do fall victim to disease and their health deteriorates, the consequences can be severe. Inflammation, pain, and bleeding are telltale signs of gum disease. If left unchecked, tooth decay, bone and tissue damage, and more can result, leaving you with permanent harm.
In other words, the unsung hero of oral health is really, really important. So, how do you ensure your gums get the attention and care they deserve? By following the top tips for healthy gums listed below, of course.
See a Professional
Establishing a regular routine with your dentist and fostering a relationship of open communication with them is key to unlocking the healthy potential of your gums. Dentists are specially trained to catch even the slightest indication of gum disease, ensuring that treatment can begin early when the problems can be easily reversed.
The professional cleanings provided by dentists, as well as the personalized advice they will provide you, are integral to keeping plaque and other dangerous developments at bay.
Kick Bad Habits
It is common knowledge that indulging in certain vices is bad for your health. Sugary snacks are an obvious culprit of oral issues, and while there is nothing wrong with the occasional treat, limiting your consumption of such foods is a great way to preserve your gum health.
Having a cookie every now and then may be acceptable but smoking and using tobacco products is not. These habits are truly horrible for your dental health, including that of your gums, and can contribute directly to the development of gum disease.
Practice Good Hygiene
It may sound simple, but practicing proper oral hygiene is essential to maintaining healthy gums. Unfortunately, many fall short of the basic standards dentists have put forth. To ensure you are practicing good hygiene and doing your gums the justice they deserve, be sure to follow the guidelines below.
Brushing twice daily with a dentist-approved toothpaste is a good start, but there are a few key details that can elevate the effectiveness of your brushing. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes every time you brush. As you do, use gentle strokes and be sure to get all areas of your teeth—front, back, and gums.
Incorporating flossing into your dental hygiene routine is also essential, as it removes hard-to-reach build-up that can lead to issues if left unattended.
Use Mouthwash
Rinsing with therapeutic mouthwash helps wash away stubborn food particles, not allowing them to hang around and cause future problems. While mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing—it should be used as a supplement, not a replacement—it has been proven to reduce plaque and the possibility of gum disease.
The list above is a fantastic starting point to healthier gums. Still, we recommend visiting your dentist for a checkup where they can evaluate the current condition of your gums and offer you personalized advice for how to best care for them. Developing a comprehensive strategy for gum care and overall oral wellbeing is key to maintaining a healthy mouth for years to come.