12 Tips to Get Healthy Gums

Dental cleanings

Visiting your dentist twice a year won't just keep your teeth clean but can also help you detect early signs of gum disease. Having your teeth professionally cleaned will remove all the tartar and plaque that can build up along the gum line that is often missed when brushing or flossing. Even those with gingivitis can reverse this gum disease with regular visits to the dentist, along with brushing and flossing.

Don't smoke

If you smoke, quit. Smoking can cause gum disease. It also weakens the immune system which increases your risk of developing gum disease because it is harder to fight off gum infections. Your gums will also take longer to heal if they have become damaged.

Floss

Flossing at least once a day can reduce your risk of gum disease. Flossing helps remove more plaque and particles that brushing alone cannot get rid of. Flossing at any time of day, whether in the evening, morning or afternoon can be highly beneficial for your gum health.

Brush

If possible, you should be brushing your teeth after every meal or at the very least twice a day. Brushing will remove plaque and food particles that can get trapped between the teeth and gums. Choose a toothbrush that is soft bristled and comfortably fits your mouth. Battery powered as well as electric toothbrushes are ideal for maintaining healthy gums.

Use the right toothpaste

How to get healthy gums has a lot to do with the type of toothpaste you use. Look for fluoride toothpaste that is ADA approved as this is the best to reduce the risk of gingivitis as well as whiten teeth and freshen breath.

Use mouthwash

A therapeutic mouthwash will prevent gingivitis, slow down tarter buildup and remove plaque. Using a mouthwash will help remove particles leftover in the mouth. If you cannot brush and floss after every meal, then rinsing with mouthwash can be a good temporary substitute.

Have your teeth straighten

If you have issues with overcrowding or crooked teeth, then you want to consider braces. Having your teeth straighten can make it easier to properly clean your teeth. When your teeth are not aligned properly, more food particles can remain trapped in the teeth and it can take much longer to properly clean them. Not only will you have cleaner and healthier teeth, but having a straight set of teeth can boost your confidence.

Skip soft drinks

There are many reasons why you shouldn't drink soft drinks. They contain a significant amount of sugar that promotes plaque which can lead to gum disease. These drinks are also acidic which erodes at the enamel of your teeth. They also contain a number of chemicals that are not just unhealthy for your mouth, but for your overall health as well.

Eat the right foods

Having a midday snack could be increasing your chance of gum disease since most people don't brush after they snack and often eat sugary snacks. How to get healthy gums from the foods you eat? Try to snack on or chew more of these types of foods below.

• Apples can promote your mouths' naturally cleansing action, which will help remove plaque from the gums and teeth.

• Calcium-rich foods like yogurt and milk also contain protein casein. This protein can help lower the acid levels in the mouth and neutralize the acids that are often produced from plaque.

• Onions may give you bad breath but they can be highly beneficial for your oral health. The antimicrobial components of onions help kill off bacteria in the mouth.

Drink water

Yes, drinking enough water can help prevent gum disease. You want to not only stay properly hydrated for your overall health, but so that you produce enough saliva to keep your mouth healthy. Saliva will help balance the bacteria in your mouth as well as clean away some food particles and debris that can be left on the teeth.

Plaque locator

Even if you brush twice a day, floss every day and use mouthwash, you can still be missing blind spots in your mouth. These blinds spots are where plaque can remain embedded in your gums and lead to gingivitis. Plaque locator products such as tablets can help you visually see where you have hidden plaque in the mouth. Once you chew on these tables, you will see your mouth turn pink in the areas where there is plaque buildup. This makes it easier for you to ensure you properly remove all the plaque from the mouth when you brush.

Know your risk

Look at your family, health, and lifestyle. There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of gum diseases such as diabetes, hormonal changes, medications and poor oral hygiene. If your family also has a history of gum disease, there's a greater chance that you will too. Knowing your risk and talking to your dentist can help you better prevent different types of gum disease. How to get healthy gums will be what you want to know better if you have known the risks. Then try the tips listed above.