When we think of a happy and healthy mouth, we think of straight white teeth that are free of cavities. People are often not aware of just how important it is to keep their gums healthy too. The importance of healthy gums cannot be understated, and there a number of steps to ensure that our gums are healthy and stay that way. If we do not take care of our gums properly, they become prone to periodontitis, also known as gum disease. This, of course, is something that nobody wants. Gum disease is caused by a build up of plaque along and under the gum line but this can be largely avoided by taking preventative measures. Symptoms of gum disease include: * Swollen/puffy gums * Bad breath * Bleeding gums * Pus between teeth and gums * Loosening teeth As is aforementioned, there are luckily a number of things that we can do to ensure that gum disease is avoided.
Brush your teeth twice a day
Perhaps this is something that goes without saying, however, it is also something that we cannot repeat enough. It is absolutely imperative that you brush your teeth well twice a day. Brushing your teeth regularly ensures that plaque build-up is prevented and the food that remains lodged between your teeth after meals is removed. You should also scrub the surface of your tongue as it can harbour bacteria. It is also very important that you use a suitable toothbrush. The toothbrush should be comfortable to hold and you should be able to reach the surfaces of every tooth. In almost any case, it is best to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, as others could potentially damage your teeth or gums in the long run. You should buy a new toothbrush, or toothbrush head if you are using an electric toothbrush, every 3 to 4 months.
Floss regularly
As above, this is something that you have surely heard time and time again. In truth, many people neglect to floss their teeth regularly and this is a sure way for plaque to build up quickly and damage your teeth or gums. Ideally, you should floss once a day. This means that there is little or no chance for tartar to build up and any food that has become lodged between your teeth during the day is removed. Flossing regularly will ensure that your gums remain happy and healthy, and bad breath is avoided.
Get your teeth professionally cleaned
Getting your teeth professionally cleaned is the only way to remove tartar. It is important to make an appointment to get your teeth cleaned every 6 months. In Singapore, GPlus Dental Center are the experts when it comes to ensuring that your gums are healthy and your teeth are clean and sparkling. In the event that you have neglected the health of your gums in the past, getting your teeth cleaned regularly can play an important role in reversing this.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste
When it comes to choosing the right toothpaste, simply ensure that you choose one which contains fluoride. This natural mineral helps our teeth to fight cavities and protects the enamel of our teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, there are products that can help with this too. You should make sure to consult your dentist about this so that you make the best choice for your teeth and gums.
Use a therapeutic mouthwash
There are two types of mouthwashes available: therapeutic and cosmetic. It is highly advisable that you use a therapeutic mouthwash to rinse your mouth. This will help to prevent gum disease and fight plaque build up. We recommend that you always follow the tips that we have provided here to ensure that your mouth remains healthy and happy. Using positive oral hygiene to keep your gums healthy is a sure way to avoid gingivitis or periodontitis. If you ever have any concerns about the health of your gums, or you are exhibiting some of the symptoms of gum disease displayed above, do not hesitate to reach out to our expert team here at GPlus Dental Center. Our leading team of dentists and dental nurses in Singapore are here to keep you smiling.