All too often, the spotlight is placed on teeth – from which toothpaste to use to how often to brush. However, your gums are equally as important, especially since roughly 50% of American adults are struggling with gum disease. There is some good news: keeping your gums infection-free is pretty easy with the right best practices in place. Here are a few important ones!
1. Floss Each Morning or Evening
You might think that brushing your teeth twice a day is enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy, but the truth is that it only cleans about 60%. To clean between your teeth and along your gumline, you need to floss as well. You can do it while you get ready in the morning, before you go to bed at night, or even on your lunch break if that’s most convenient for you. Just make sure it’s a part of your daily routine!
2. Rinse with Mouthwash Every Day
Another easy way to keep your gums healthy is by rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash for 30-60 seconds each day. Not only will this help reduce plaque, but it will also reduce your risk of gum disease and prevent tartar from developing. Plus, it will keep your breath minty-fresh!
3. Fill Your Plate with Vitamin-Rich Foods
All too often, patients overlook the importance of their diet. Remember, overindulging on sugary and starchy foods dramatically increases your risk of common dental problems. Conversely, eating lean protein, fresh fruits, seasonal vegetables, and other foods packed with essential vitamins and nutrients will benefit your immune system. Simply put, sticking to healthy, well-balanced meals will benefit your oral health as well as your overall health!
4. Avoid Using Any Tobacco Products
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking weakens your immune system, which, in turn, makes it harder to fight off gum disease. Combine that with the fact that smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease, and you can see why it’s so important to avoid using tobacco products. If you’ve had trouble quitting in the past, don’t hesitate to let your dentist know so they can share helpful resources and tips!
5. Schedule a Dental Checkup and Cleaning Biannually
Ultimately, your dental care regimen is incomplete if you don’t visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. These routine appointments ensure that plaque and tartar are removed before they cause trouble. They also play an essential role in catching gum disease, oral cancer, and other serious problems in the early stages, ensuring they are treated before they progress further.
About the Practice
At Webster Lake Dental, we’re proud to offer a wide range of services in one convenient location. That way, our patients can turn to the same team they know and trust for all of their dental needs – from routine checkups to gum disease treatment. If you are interested in learning more about the latter or you’re simply overdue for your six-month checkup, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us via our website or by phone at (508) 943-8111.