It’s not only about how straight your teeth are or how dazzling your smile is when it comes to the health of your mouth. You must not overlook your gums! Good dental hygiene is the most important thing you can do to prevent and treat gum disease.
Our skilled dentist at Oak Dentistry in Arlington, TX not only provides the best dental treatments based on your needs, but also essential tips on how to maintain your gums and teeth.
What Is Gum Disease?
Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film-like substance. It can cause infections of the gums and bone, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Plaque can also induce gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease.
Periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease, can develop from gingivitis. Periodontitis is a disease that, if left untreated, can cause significant damage to the gums, bones, and tissues that support your teeth.
Tips for Keeping Your Gums Healthy
- Brush Your Teeth Properly
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Every three months, replace your toothbrush.
- Angle your brush 45 degrees to the gum line while brushing.
- To clean the inner sides of the teeth, turn the brush vertically and make several quick strokes along each tooth.
- Floss
- Flossing is a method of cleaning between the teeth and gums to remove food and plaque. Tartar can form if food and plaque remain in these locations. Tartar, a hard deposit of microorganisms that can lead to gum disease, can only be removed by a dentist.
- Get Routine Dental Cleanings
- If you visit your dentist regularly, he or she can discover early signs of gum disease. The disease can then be treated before it worsens.
- Only a professional cleaning can eradicate tartar. It can also remove any plaque that you missed when brushing or flossing. Brushing, flossing, and getting regular dental cleanings can help reverse gingivitis.
- Quit Smoking
- Whatever your point of view, smoking is never a healthy habit. Smoking impairs the immune system and is linked to the development of gum disease. Cigarette smoking is linked to bad breath, tooth discoloration, salivary gland inflammation, plaque buildup, and bone loss in the jaw.
To learn more about how to maintain your oral and gum health, contact Oak Dentistry by calling (817) 375-0400 or visiting us at 7416 S Cooper St STE 100, Arlington, TX 76001.