5 Oral Hygiene Habits For Healthy Gums

Many people are not aware of the most effective practices for healthy gums and proper oral hygiene. The reality is that people do not learn the proper techniques for cleaning teeth at home. It is crucial to brush the teeth twice a day and floss once a day.

The manner in which someone cleans the teeth matters just as much as the frequency of the cleanings.

Here is a look at effective habits to implement in your oral hygiene routine to keep your gums healthy.

Floss Properly

Do not assume flossing once each night is all that is necessary for adequate gum health. It is beneficial to floss the teeth after each meal. However, most people do not have the time, patience or access to floss throughout the day. Thus, most people wait until the evening to floss their teeth. What matters most is the manner in which you floss.

Move the floss on down between your teeth and gums and create a “C” shape as you glide it down into the gum line. Move the floss around to loosen the trapped food particles, bacteria and other gunk. Use a distinct portion of the floss to clean each of your teeth/gums.

If you use the same part of the floss to clean your teeth and gums over and over again, you will simply move food particles, bacteria, plaque and other unsavory particles between different parts of your mouth.  There is no sense in flossing if you are simply transferring harmful bacteria and food debris from one part of your mouth to the next.

Your Gum Health Hinges on Your Ability to Stop Smoking

The regular use of tobacco products will contribute to the onset of gum disease. In particular, smoking is terrible for your gums. Stop smoking and you will dramatically lower your risk for periodontal disease. Furthermore, smoking cessation will enhance your overarching biological health in all sorts of other ways.

Attack Those Germs

Baking soda and antibacterial mouth rinses kill those pesky germs that lurk beneath the gums and spur gum disease. If you use baking soda, mix it with water to form a non-abrasive paste. It is best to apply this paste with an electric-powered toothbrush. Rinse your mouth with warm water following this brushing session so the water can move between the teeth and knock out debris.

Brush Your Teeth in a Mindful Manner

Brush your chompers with an electric-powered toothbrush and you will find it does more than merely clean your teeth. These high-tech brushes also clean the gums to boot. Electric-powered toothbrushes are better than regular toothbrushes for the removal of sticky plaque and food particles.

Move the brush along your teeth and gums for at least two full minutes per session. Do not press too hard. Let the electric toothbrush do the work on your behalf. Just be sure to move the brush head along the gums, the areas where the teeth meet the gums, your cheeks, tongue and the roof of your mouth to ensure a thorough clean.

Focus on Your Diet

Antioxidants bolster the immune system. Consume flavonoid antioxidants along with carotenoid antioxidants that are fat soluble and they will work in tandem with vitamin C to bolster your gum health. Foods laden with antioxidants tend to be quite colorful. Everything from berries to papaya, melon, plums, peaches, kale, cabbage, spinach, pumpkin and sweet potatoes improve gum health.

That’s not all…

Request a dental check-up here: https://www.smilesinpa.com or call Jenny Chen Pediatric and Family Dentistry at (610) 400-1588 for an appointment in our West Grove dental office.