Every day we know that we have to brush our teeth but do we ever stop to think about the gums that our teeth are embedded in?
Gums are also important to take care of and if not, there are diseases that can affect you in the long run such as gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when there is a build of plaque, it’s the earliest stage of gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to become:
- inflamed
- tender
- red
- swollen
- prone to bleeding
To prevent gum disease you must:
Floss: At least once a day. This helps remove the plaque and food that’s beyond your toothbrush’s reach.
Regular dental cleaning: A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar. It can also get rid of any plaque you missed when brushing or flossing.
Quit smoking: Since smoking weakens your immune system, it also makes it harder to fight off a gum infection
Brush twice a day: Brush your teeth after every meal. This helps remove the food and plaque trapped between your teeth and gums.
Use fluoride toothpaste: Make sure to choose toothpaste that contains fluoride
Use a therapeutic mouthwash: Usually available over the counter, therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis.
