6 Tips for Healthy Gums: How to Maintain Gum Health

A good oral hygiene routine is the most effective preventative against gum disease.

With sparkling white smiles often being people’s focus, gums can get overlooked. Healthy gums are a significant contributor to good oral and general health.

In this article, our dentists discuss the signs of healthy vs. unhealthy gums and six tips for healthy gums.

Are My Gums Healthy?

It can be challenging to tell if your gums are healthy, especially in the early stages of gum disease. This is because the symptoms are mild to begin with.

To help you better understand the condition of your gums, we’ve created a list of easily identifiable indicators of good and bad gum health.

Healthy Gums

• They are pink (varies with complexion) and firm
• Don’t bleed easily
• Have a tight fit around your teeth
• Don’t allow your teeth to wobble
• Aren’t sore or inflamed

Unhealthy Gums

• They are red and inflamed
• Feel sore to touch
• Bleed often
• Are your teeth loose or receding
• Allow for wobbly (adult) teeth

If you thought gum health involved much extra work, we’re pleased to tell you it doesn’t!

Looking after your gums doesn’t require much extra work at all. Looking out for your gum health looks like a good dental hygiene routine.

Here are some tips for healthy gums:

#1. Brush twice daily

Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Brushing hard does not benefit your gums or teeth. Brush gently in circular motions. It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three months.

#2. Floss everyday

Flossing is vital to a good oral health regimen but is often neglected. Food and plaque stuck between teeth and gums are difficult to remove by brushing alone.

Failure to floss daily builds plaque in these areas, leading to tartar. Tartar is extremely hard and can only be removed by a dentist.

And, unfortunately, with tartar comes gum disease.

#3. Be rinse smart

Excessive mouth rinsing after brushing your teeth is counterproductive regarding fluoride effectiveness, as most of it gets washed away.

However, rinsing your mouth after eating helps remove food debris that creates plaque and eventually tartar.

Rinse your mouth with water or an ADA-approved therapeutic mouthwash. Use a saltwater rinse to encourage natural healing if you’re experiencing tender, red, or inflamed gums.

#4. Avoid sugary and starchy foods

The condition of your teeth and gums is affected directly by the foods and beverages you consume. Simple carbohydrates and foods high in sugar encourage plaque growth.

As mentioned, plaque buildup leads to tartar, a major contributor to poor gum health.

It’s best to consume a wholesome and nutritious diet that consists of things like:

• Fruits and veggies that are high in fibre
• Dairy products
• Green and black teas
• Seafood and poultry products
• Water

#5. Stop smoking

Smoking and the use of other tobacco products increase your risk of developing gum disease. This is because of the dire effects they have on your immune system.

The use of tobacco products can result in a dry mouth, which creates the ideal environment for plaque and bacteria to flourish.

#6. Visit your dentist regularly

One of the best ways to ensure you’re on track with excellent oral health is by regularly visiting your dentist.

Regular dental check-ups not only allow for early detection of gingivitis and gum disease, but they’re also an excellent opportunity for you to have a professional dental clean.

Having routine professional cleans done at the dentist’s is essential for removing built-up plaque and tartar.

Are you overdue for a dental visit? Book your next check-up with one of our caring and gentle dentists at our Canley Heights family dental practice.

Treating Gum Disease

If your gums start displaying unhealthy signs, the first thing you should do is get in touch with a dentist. Once your dentist has determined the condition of your gums, a tailored treatment plan can be put in place.

When it comes to gum disease, time is of the essence. This is because gum disease is reversible in its early stages. However, the more severe the disease becomes, the harder, more uncomfortable, and more costly its treatment becomes.

Quality Gum Care in Canley Heights

Our gums play a significant role in our mouths. Neglecting them ultimately leads to tooth loss. But the good news is that gum disease is preventable and doesn’t require much more than a good at-home dental hygiene routine and a six-monthly visit to the dentist.

Our team at Canley Heights Dental Care is here to make every visit to the dentist as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Contact us to make an appointment.

For more tips for healthy gums, please call us at (02) 9199 9678 or book an appointment online.

We are located at 1/229 Canley Vale Road in Canley Heights.