How to Care for Your Gums
September is National Gum Care Month. At Cardinal Dental, we use the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of healthy gums and to educate our patients about the proper way to care for their gums. Consider the following tips to maintain the health of your gum tissue, teeth, and the overall health of your body.
7 Gum Care Tips for Healthy Gums
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once per day. For even better oral care, you can floss more often, too. For example, some patients floss both in the morning and at night, and some floss after every meal. For maximum benefit, be sure to use proper techniques when brushing and flossing.
2. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
To avoid damaging your delicate gum tissue, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and only apply gentle pressure. If you struggle with brushing too hard, consider using an electric toothbrush that does the “brushing” for you while you gently glide the brush head over your teeth and gums.
3. Replace Your Toothbrush Regularly
Replace your manual toothbrush at least every three months. Replace your electric toothbrush head as often as recommended by the manufacturer. Or replace either as soon as the bristles appear worn.
4. Add a Water Flosser to Your Routine
Water flossers can reach deep into your gums and between your teeth to clean gum tissues of plaque, bacteria, and debris.
5. Rinse With Alcohol-Free, Antibacterial Mouthwash
After brushing and flossing, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to fight bacterial growth.
6. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Do not use tobacco products and eat a vitamin-rich diet to help support your immune system.
7. Visit the Dentist Every Six Months
Get a professional dental cleaning and examination twice a year to keep tartar buildup in check and a close eye on your gum health.
Preventative Dentistry and Periodontal Disease Management With Our La Mesa Dentist
At Cardinal Dental, Dr. Paul Michels places a strong emphasis on the importance of preventing oral health problems like gum disease. By providing our patients with a strong regimen of preventative dental care and patient education on proper oral hygiene, we hope to keep each of our patient’s teeth and gums healthy and strong.
To learn more about the importance of taking care of your gums, we welcome you to schedule an appointment at Cardinal Dental in La Mesa today.
