When we talk about oral health, it’s mainly the health of our teeth that first comes to mind. And rightly so! However, an important component of healthy teeth that often gets pushed to the wayside is the health of our gums.
By keeping our gums healthy and giving them the proper attention, we avoid the risk of developing more serious oral diseases in the future which, without a focus on our gum health, would be allowed to fester.
As your Davisville Toronto dentist, I put together a few simple things to keep in mind that will keep your gum health in check:
- Keep up proper brushing and flossing. When it comes to keeping our gums healthy, there’s nothing more effective than proper brushing and flossing. This keeps our teeth clean and free of particles that could become bigger problems down the line.
Tip: Always use a soft-bristled brush so that you may clean right up to the gum line without doing damage.
- Add “gum-friendly” foods to your diet. By avoiding foods that are high in sugar or acidity will prevent excess wearing and damage on both the surface of your teeth and your gums. Instead, try eating more fruits, vegetables, cheeses (they help pull away plaque) and lean meats.
- Use a mouthwash each morning. Mouthwash is an easy addition to your daily oral health routine and goes a long way towards removing bacteria and plaque that can be missed during normal brushing and flossing (and that can endanger your gums).
- Give your gums a daily oil massage. For that extra line of defense in keeping your gums healthy, use a small amount of coconut, sunflower or sesame oil to massage your gums at least once a day. This will lubricate the gums, prevent bleeding and even help to whiten your teeth!
- Attend your regular dental visits. Don’t neglect your annual dental checkups – these are important opportunities for your gum health to be properly assessed and maintained and to catch any potential damage before it gets worse.
Be sure to follow these tips and keep your gums their healthiest! If you have any questions on gum health (or overall oral health), visit my website and schedule a consultation OR drop into my Davisville dental office! And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Twitter for the latest dental tips, tricks and advice!