Healthy Gum Hygiene Tips

Gum Health is the Key to Good Oral Health

When most patients think about improving their oral care routine at home, they focus only on their teeth. However — taking care of your gums is a vital part of your dental health!

WHY IS GUM HEALTH SO IMPORTANT?

It’s common for patients to experience a minor form of gum disease, which occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on the gums and cause them to bleed. Almost 30% of our population can be at risk for developing gum disease due to genetics. Your genetics also play a large part in how early you will develop periodontal disease and how extreme your symptoms are.

If left untreated, gum disease can turn into periodontitis. This more destructive phase of periodontal disease can jeopardize your gum health and even your jawbone structure. When the accumulation of bacteria along the base of your gum line occurs, your immune system responds by tackling the build-up, slowly but surely eating away any gum tissue or bone in its pathway.

Over time, you could experience bone loss, tooth loss, and other chronic health conditions such as cancer or dementia. To prevent periodontitis, keep your gums healthy, and improve your oral health, follow these tips:

BRUSH YOUR TEETH TWICE A DAY

This is one part of your dental routine that you should have down pat! Brushing twice daily doesn’t just keep your teeth clean, it helps to clean debris from your gums as well. Be sure to brush for at least two minutes per session, playing a song if you brush if it helps.

USE FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE

There are a lot of choices on the market, but choosing the right toothpaste is important. First, make sure your toothpaste has an ADA seal of approval. Next, make sure it contains fluoride — a power ingredient to help support your oral health.

ADD IN A THERAPEUTIC MOUTHWASH

It’s great to use a mouthwash with a nice scent — but it should also actually help take care of your smile. A therapeutic mouthwash will help to prevent gingivitis, reduce plaque, and fight off the speed at which tartar forms. Look for that ADA seal of approval here, too!

FLOSS REGULARLY

Just like brushing your teeth, you should have flossing down pat. However, while many patients brush their teeth at least twice daily — many forget about flossing. Remember to floss at least once daily to keep your gums clean.

QUIT SMOKING

Smoking and other harmful lifestyle habits such as excessive drinking can have a negative impact on your oral health. If you’ve been looking for a sign to quit, here’s your chance.

SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY

While there’s plenty you can do at home to care for your gums, you should also see your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. If you need additional treatments, they’ll be able to help you manage them.

ENDODONTIC SPECIALISTS IN TIGARD, OR

Every member of our competent team at Progressive Periodontics is committed to helping and treating every one of our patients with tooth loss prevention and improvement of their overall oral health. Whatever level of periodontal disease you find yourself dealing with, our compassionate and professional staff will work tirelessly to aid in repairing your gums and supporting tissues and bone structure.

Contact our team today for a consultation: (503) 966-3780