The importance of healthy gums
Having a healthy mouth isn’t limited to having white and aligned teeth. In reality, a healthy mouth is about the teeth, gums and soft tissues all being healthy.
Healthy gums are generally pink, red or brown, depending on the individual’s complexion. The gums shouldn’t hurt or bleed when cleaned, and they should not cause the breath to smell.
Having healthy gums helps ensure the entire mouth is healthy. Unfortunately, a lot of issues with the gums directly impact the teeth and the overall comfort of the person.
Methods to keep your gums in great health
There are a handful of methods to keep your gums in good health. But the easiest way is to floss and brush your teeth daily. Gently brushing the gums can also be an effective way to remove any trapped bacteria, but make sure to do this gently as this is sensitive soft tissue.
Visiting your hygienist is a great way to clean the gums, especially if they need a slightly deeper cleaning due to something like gum disease. The hygienist cleans and scales the gums to remove plaque from the teeth and along the gumline.
Investing in an antibacterial mouthwash will help reduce and kill the bacteria in the mouth. This particular mouthwash can help reduce the chances of cavities. An antiseptic mouthwash can be used to kill viruses, fungi and bacteria and is particularly useful to those diagnosed with gingivitis. A great technique you can use is to mouthwash after flossing and before brushing your teeth, it allows the mouth to be rinsed of any bacteria prior to cleaning the teeth.
Cutting out bad habits is one effective way to protect the teeth. Some of these bad habits include smoking, chewing on pens, and biting nails. Equally, habits like teeth grinding can be harmful to the gums.
There are a few ways teeth grinding can be halted. If you grind your teeth during the day, practise placing the tip of the tongue between the front upper and lower teeth to relax the jaw muscles. Using a mouthguard or nightguard is an equally effective way to mitigate the damage caused by teeth grinding. This is because it cushions the teeth and shields the gums from any damage caused by the pressure of grinding.
Reducing the amount of sugar in our diets can also be an effective way to stop bacteria from growing, as they feed on glucose. Swapping out sugary treats for sugar-free ones is a simple way to adjust your diet whilst still enjoying a sweet treat.