How to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Around 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease.

You’re more likely to have gum disease if you’re a man, live in poverty, don’t have a high school education, or are a smoker. However, it’s shocking that nearly half the adult population is affected because gum disease is 100% preventable. 

It’s never too late to start keeping your gums healthy, and you’ve come to the right place if you want some pointers. Fortunately, the gums are excellent at healing, so your journey to great gum health shouldn’t take too long! You just need to know where to start.

Read on to find out more.

Brush Your Teeth

If you hadn’t already guessed, the first step in gum care is correct and consistent teeth brushing. You need to brush your teeth twice a day, every day.

Put your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and move it backward and forwards in short strokes. Don’t be afraid to brush over your gums, they may bleed at first, but this should stop within a week.

Floss

Next, your dentist wasn’t lying when they told you to floss. Flossing is one of the best gum health tips as it helps remove small pieces of food from between the teeth.

Without flossing, these small pieces of food and sugar are left touching the gums and contributing to gum disease.

Quit Smoking

Whereas gum health is primarily about building good habits, this step is about breaking a bad habit. You’re more likely to develop gum disease (among other conditions) if you smoke.

If you want to have healthy gums, it’s time to visit your GP for quitting aids and put down the cigarettes for good.

Visit Your Dentist

Finally, ensure you have regular dental checkups. When your mouth is in good health, you should visit at least once a year. If you have gum disease, every six months is better.

Your dentist can help with preventative care as well as treatment. Look for a dentist that can offer a range of services, including periodontal work.

If gums are your only concern, just look for the best periodontist. However, if you want to look after your teeth too, check out the comprehensive services this dentist offers.

Keep Your Gums Healthy in 2022

There you have a brief guide to keeping your gums healthy. Whether you’ve noticed a small amount of bleeding while brushing your teeth or you’ve got full-blown gum disease, it’s never too late to start your gum-health journey.

There’s no need to be embarrassed or nervous; however bad your problem is, chances are your dentist has seen worse. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get prepared for having healthy gums in 2022.

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