August 17, 2016 | Dentist in Dublin CA,
Your gums are the foundation to good oral health. Unhealthy gums can lead to loosed teeth, tooth loss, and tooth decay. If you are noticing bleeding when brushing or flossing, you may have inflamed gums that are trying to fight plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Here are a few gum health basics to keep your gums (and your smile) healthy!
Floss Every Day
Flossing daily is essential to good gum health. If you don’t remove particles of food between your teeth, your body will try to fight the plaque that develops and this in turn will become gum disease. One of the most important things you can do for your gum health is to floss diligently and properly. This means hugging the tooth gently and performing a see-sawing motion with your floss. Don’t floss hard, or you risk damaging your gums. Talk to your dentist to find out the proper way to floss effectively.
Brush Your Gums Gently
Even your gums need a little TLC with the toothbrush, as this will stimulate your gums and allow them to function properly. Don’t brush your gums hard, because you risk hurting the tissue. Just gently brush your gums as you would brush sensitive skin, and a little bit is all you need.
Don’t Ignore Bleeding Gums
If you are flossing daily and brushing regularly, and you still have bleeding gums, you need to talk to your dentist. There may be an underlying health issue, or you may need prescription strength toothpaste or mouthwash. You might also have periodontal (gum) disease and this means coming in for a teeth cleaning every 3-4 months instead of every 6 months is what you need. Don’t worry, gum disease is incredibly common, but properly treating it is the only way to prevent it from getting worse.
Lastly, see your dentist regularly for check-ups. To schedule an appointment at Dublin Corners Dental, call our friendly team or schedule your appointment online.