Periodontal Care

Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

Gum diseases can result in tooth loss and other more serious problems.

Fortunately, you can do something to prevent and even reverse the effects of gum disease. These include:

Z Proper brushing

Proper brushing helps remove food particles, and plaque stuck between your teeth and gums. Do not forget to brush your tongue too, since it can be home to bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in doing so.

Electric toothbrushes can also help decrease the chance of developing gingivitis and plaque compared to manual brushing.

Change your toothbrush or toothbrush heads every three to four months, or if the bristles start to fray.

Z Using fluoride-containing toothpaste

When you use a fluoride-containing toothpaste, you’re nourishing your tooth enamel, which helps prevent tooth decay.

Fluoride can help fix teeth that have suffered minor tooth decalcification.

For patients over six, using fluoride toothpaste is a smart move.

It may also be a good idea for our younger patients if they are at high risk of developing cavities.

Z Daily flossing

Flossing once a day helps dislodge plaque and food particles that are beyond the reach of your toothbrush.

Z Rinsing using mouthwash

Fluoride mouthwashes help reduce plaque, prevent or reduce gingivitis, reduce the speed of tartar development, or a combination of these advantages.

Z Regular dental check-ups in Canley Heights

If you visit your Canley Heights dentist regularly, we can detect early symptoms of gum disease.

In that way, symptoms can be addressed before they worsen.

Professional scale and clean at your Canley Heights dentist’s office is the only way to remove stubborn tartar. It can also help get rid of plaque that was not able to be removed while brushing or flossing.

Z Smoking cessation

Smoking is directly related to the development of gum disease. Since smoking weakens our immune system, it also makes it harder to fight gum infections.

Also, smoking makes it hard for gums to heal once they’ve been damaged or infected.

Aside from these steps to help keep the gums healthy, your Canley Heights dentist will also provide diet and lifestyle tips for healthy gums and explain how to detect the symptoms of gum disease.

Frequently Asked Questions