5 Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy in Clayton

Your gums are more important than you may have realized. As a soft tissue supportive structure, they play a crucial role in securing your teeth to the bone underneath.

For adults, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Keeping your gingiva healthy isn’t just smart for your smile; it can affect your overall wellness and reduce the risk of problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infertility, and more.

What are the best ways to keep your gums healthy? Follow these important steps from Clayton Individualized Dentistry:

Brush Your Gumlines

Massage your gums and lift away soft plaque biofilm with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Angle the bristles towards your gums at 45 degrees but don’t push too hard, as that could lead to gum recession.

Floss Under Your Gums Daily

Healthy gums shouldn’t ever bleed when you’re brushing and flossing properly. If you have gingivitis, symptoms will usually reverse within two weeks of daily flossing. If they don’t, you may have a more severe infection known as periodontal (gum) disease and need to see our Clayton dentists.

Eat Plenty of Fresh Produce

Crisp veggies and fresh fruits such as carrots and apples are great for your gums. They’re packed with vitamins that aid in tissue health, but they also stimulate blood flow in your gingiva while you’re biting into them. Adding extra produce into your diet will help your immune system to combat the symptoms of gum disease and other health problems.

Drink Tap Water

Water is a natural cleanser. It supports healthy levels of saliva production, keeps your mouth moisturized, and rinses away excess bacteria inside your mouth. But not all water is created equal! Choose a reusable bottle and drink straight from the tap (unless your area has deemed it unsafe), for healthy fluoride levels that boost your enamel strength at the same time!

Schedule a Preventive Care Appointment Every Six Months

People with healthy teeth and gums generally only require a dental checkup every six months. At these visits we’ll clean away calcified buildup from between your teeth and just under the gums, to prevent gum disease and bone loss. If you’ve had a history of periodontal infections, you may need to see our dentist as frequently as every 3-4 months.

If you have gums that are red, swollen, sensitive or bleeding, it’s time for a gum check. Has it been longer than six months since your last cleaning? Book your next visit at Clayton Individualized Dentistry today!