As you work toward maintaining a healthy smile through at-home dental care, it is important that you devote time and energy to keeping your gum tissue healthy. Your gum health affects the health of your overall smile, and it can also be connected to your whole-body health. So what can you do to keep your gum tissue as healthy as possible? Here are some tips from our Toluca Lake dentist…
1. Floss, floss, floss
Many patients consider flossing an optional secondary step to brushing. This simply isn’t true! Flossing is a critically important step in your oral hygiene routine. Make sure to floss at least once a day in order to keep your gum tissue strong. When you floss, you remove plaque from those hard-to-reach spots right along the gum line where gum disease is likely to develop.
2. Use the toothbrush that is right for you
Using a toothbrush that is too abrasive will damage your gum tissue and leave it open to infection. Most patients should be using a soft-bristled or medium-bristled brush; your doctor can help you determine which toothbrush is right for your smile. Apply consistent but gentle pressure on your teeth and gums as you brush.
3. Consider mouthwash as a final step in your routine
After you have flossed and brushed, you may want to rinse with a mouthwash in order to flush out any last particles of plaque that are hanging on to your gum tissue. Use a vigorous rinsing motion when you use mouthwash—the physical act of rinsing is just as important as the formulation of the rinse.
You cannot keep your smile healthy, and your teeth looking great, without maintaining your gum tissue. So incorporate these tips into your daily dental hygiene routine for maximum results. Call our Toluca Lake dentist office if you would like even more information about gum care, or oral hygiene in general.