We all know that it’s important to keep our teeth clean, but are you paying enough attention to the health of your gums? Protecting your gums from disease and decay is vital to a healthy mouth. Here are 3 tips to help you maintain healthy gums!
- Floss Every Day
- Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Rinse with Mouthwash
Flossing may be the most important thing you can do to protect your gums. You should be flossing at least once a day, preferably at night after dinner. Flossing helps remove food particles and other debris that get stuck between your teeth throughout the day. If these food particles aren’t removed, they turn into a substance called plaque. Plaque contains bacteria that can eat away at healthy gum tissue and the enamel of your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it can harden into tartar. Tartar collects along your gum line, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. Whether you use an electric flosser or good old fashioned floss, make sure you’re flossing every day to keep your gums in tip-top shape.
Eating healthy is not just important for maintaining your figure and overall health. When you eat processed foods that are high in carbs and sugar, such as chips and candy, they feed the bacteria in your mouth to create acids that deteriorate and weaken your enamel over time. By eating fruits and vegetables high in fiber, such as apples and celery, you can dislodge food particles between your teeth, neutralize the acids in your mouth, and stimulate your gums to promote blood circulation.
Mouthwash is great for your gums because it reaches the places in your mouth that brushing and flossing can’t. An alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash helps remove leftover food particles and dangerous bacteria from your mouth and tongue.
Gum Therapy at Toothology
If you are suffering from gum disease, we are happy to offer 2 periodontal treatments at Toothology:
- We use ARESTIN®, an FDA-approved antibiotic, after a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing.
- We also use LANAP® technology, or Laser Assisted New Attachment Protocol, a conservative laser dentistry treatment to heal damaged gum tissue. Learn more about LANAP by watching our video!
Our treatments ensure a more effective healing process and faster recovery time than invasive surgery. If you think you may have gum disease or need to schedule a regular checkup and cleaning, contact us today!