If you want shiny teeth, you need to start by taking care of your gums. The gums are the foundation of your teeth, supporting the roots and protecting your bone structure. If your gums are in bad shape, you can expect oral problems such as tooth decay, bone loss, or gingivitis. So, it is important to practice the gum health basics so that you enjoy your teeth for many years to come.
Healthy gums start with daily care, such as brushing your teeth and flossing. You also need to schedule routine dental checkups at a dental clinic like Lovett Dental Conroe. A general dentist can perform an oral exam to assess your gums’ condition and identify any potential issues with your gums or teeth. With the right care, you can keep your teeth looking shiny.
Gum Health Basics
While it is important to brush your teeth, you want to avoid hurting your teeth with the toothbrush. Instead of using a hard-bristle toothbrush to remove stains, choose a soft-bristle brush and brush your teeth more often. When you brush, make sure you brush around the gums on both sides of your teeth. Use a back-and-forth motion instead of an up-and-down motion. You are more likely to get better results.
Schedule a Teeth Cleaning
Another one of the gum health basics is clean teeth. While brushing your teeth daily is important, you will also want to schedule professional teeth cleaning at least twice a year. Your family dentist can perform a deep cleaning that reaches the inside of your gums down deep around the roots. This protects your teeth and prevents gum decay. Your teeth will look and feel better after a deep cleaning.
Watch What You Eat
Eating foods that are tough or acidic is bad for your teeth. It also puts pressure on your gums and can loosen the tooth at the root area. Once the roots are loose, your tooth may come out. Or it creates additional space for bacteria and plaque to develop. Try to avoid foods such as:
- Ice
- Sodas
- Citric juices
- Foods high in sugars
- Potato chips
- Alcohol
Consider Braces for Your Child
Practicing gum health basics usually starts during childhood and into adolescents. If you want your child to have healthy gums, you may want to consider getting them braces. Pediatric dentistry includes orthodontics and similar procedures. Keeping your child’s teeth straight promotes healthy development in both the teeth and the gums. It prevents the teeth from hurting gums early in life.
Use Fluoride
Fluoride is a building block of strong teeth and enamel. Fluoride can help enamel build in your teeth and strengthens the enamel you have. It also kills bacteria that lingers throughout your gums. Using mouthwash or toothpaste with fluoride cleans out your mouth and removes unwanted bacteria. You can also get professional fluoride treatments from your dentist. You may want to schedule fluoride treatments when you schedule your oral exam.
Make Sure Your Floss
Flossing between your teeth can remove leftover food particles. However, it’s just the beginning. When flossing, you also need to floss around the base of the tooth where the gums are. Make sure you get between each tooth and around the front and back. Today’s floss products contain fluoride-based floss that cleans your gums while removing the particles. If you have any questions about what type of floss to use, talk to your dentist.
Schedule Your Oral Exam at Lovett Dental Conroe
When was the last time you’ve been to the dentist? If you need an oral exam, contact Lovett Dental Conroe at 936-760-2400. We provide a variety of dental services that help you with all your dental needs. We can also help you with gum health basics and how to take care of your teeth.