Ways To Keep Your Gums Healthy

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Most of us wake up in the morning, brush our teeth, finish our routine and head to work. While many might think this is a great way to keep your gums healthy, they are sadly mistaken. Many people follow the rule of brushing their teeth twice a day but forget that a toothbrush cannot clean every single crevice in their mouths. Did you know brushing only cleans 55% of your tooth’s surface? Your teeth might look healthy, but eventually you will face the trouble in later life for lack of gum care. Brushing twice a day is not sufficient, flossing once a day, preferably before bedtime, is a must. Dr Amruta Dash, Peridontist and Cosmetic Dentist, and Founder of Ivory Smiles Dental Clinics offers tips that you can follow for better gum care.

Brush Teeth, Gums And Tongue Twice A Day

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This is important, yes, twice a day. Make sure that you are brushing for two whole minutes every single time. Brush along the gum line as well as your tongue. This helps to reduce the bacteria that live on the surface of the gums. If you are just brushing your teeth and not your gums and tongue, then this is not the proper way to brush.

Floss Once A Day

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Brushing will do its work, but you also have to floss daily. A toothbrush is not able to get in between your teeth and clean the crevices. Plaque and food get lodged into these crevices which causes bacteria to form in between the teeth and gums. Sticky film gets formed on the gums and teeth and causes bacteria formation. Make sure you are flossing once a day with dental floss or a soft pick brush.

Rinse With Antiseptic Mouthwash

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Using a mouthwash helps flush away any bacteria hanging loose in the mouth and reduces the chances of infection. If left untended, these eventually cause plaque to form and lead to gum disease. Make sure you choose a mouthwash that is free of alcohol, since alcohol can dry out your mouth and make it hard for the bacteria to be flushed away.

Visit Your Dentist Twice A Year

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The dentist will check your teeth and gums to determine that everything is on order. You could very well be doing everything you are supposed to but could still develop gum disease. Your dentist will check your medical history, check for bleeding, as well as pockets. He or she will also do a teeth cleaning that helps eliminate the bacteria.

Watch For Signs Of Gum Disease

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Even if you take every precaution, it is still very important to check for signs of gum disease. For starters, you must check to see if you have any tender or swollen gums. If you are experiencing any kind of pain or swelling, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Watch for loose or separating teeth as this could be sign of a serious problem.

Taking care of your mouth means not just taking care of your teeth but also taking care of your gums. Less problems will occur if you follow these steps and care for both your teeth and your gums. Your next dental visit will be a lot less stressful if you do.

Also read: 5 Common Oral Health FAQs Answered By An Expert