Gum health is a crucial part of any healthy mouth. Many people struggle with swollen gums and aren’t sure how to improve gum health. In this guide, Tampa’s general dentist explains several techniques you can use to optimize your oral health, starting with your gums.
Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth is the simplest and best way to maintain proper oral hygiene. Yet, many folks don’t do it! All you need is a toothbrush and some quality toothpaste.
Simply brush your teeth twice a day or after meals. You’ll remove any plaque and harmful bacteria from your teeth and gums, leaving them clean. Make sure you scrub your tongue, too.
While there’s nothing wrong with a regular manual toothbrush, electric or battery-powered toothbrushes are more effective at getting in between and behind teeth. Whichever type you choose, replace your toothbrush every few months to ensure quality and cleanliness.
A good toothbrush does matter, but so does good toothpaste. Use fluoride toothpaste, as it’s especially effective at cleaning your teeth and gums.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
There’s nothing wrong with the occasional treat. However, certain foods and drinks, when you consume them regularly, damage your teeth. In particular, candy, soda, fatty foods, and coffee can cause stains and plaque buildup.
Whenever you indulge in that sweet tooth, make sure you brush your teeth right afterward.
Floss Regularly
Your dentist tells you to floss for a reason. It’s a superb way of cleaning in between your teeth to remove plaque from spaces that toothbrushes simply can’t reach. Dentists recommend flossing at least once a day to ensure good oral health.
Mouthwash
Alongside flossing and brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash is an excellent way to protect your teeth. There are all sorts of mouthwashes available, either prescription or over-the-counter types. However, make sure you still brush and floss, as mouthwash on its own isn’t enough to keep your teeth bacteria-free.
Quit Smoking
There’s no sugarcoating it — smoking causes periodontal disease. Smoke and tobacco build up in the mouth, staining teeth, degrading gums, and weakening your immune system. It can even cause bone loss.
It’s best to quit smoking for a number of reasons, but gum disease is certainly one of the best reasons to quit.
Visit the Dentist
If you’re wondering how to improve gum health, visiting the dentist is key. Having dental hygienists clean your teeth and gums on a regular basis is the best way to improve your gum health. They’re the only experts who can remove tartar buildup from your teeth.
Your Tampa dentist can also detect the early signs of gum disease, giving you the ability to stop them before they get worse and lead to gingivitis, bleeding, swelling, or cavities.
Tampa’s Best Dentist for Gum Health
The professionals at Westchase Smiles Institute serve patients in the Tampa area, helping keep teeth clean with routine exams, cleanings, and general dentistry services.
If you’re still wondering how to improve gum health, contact Westchase Smiles Institute to schedule an appointment.
