Our gums are a critically important part of our overall oral health. They keep our teeth in place while also protecting the bone and root underneath the crown. Unhealthy, receding, or diseased gums can create a host of serious complications for the rest of our mouths and even our bodies. Because of this, keeping your gums healthy and disease-free is one of the chief tasks of responsible oral health care. Here are the best ways to do that.

Brush Your Teeth

This is about as obvious as it gets. Brushing is how you clean your teeth, get rid of food particles, and minimize bacterial growth. Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day also reduces the stress on your gums and eliminates potential causes of infection. 

Floss

While brushing your teeth gets much more attention, dentists will tell you that flossing is equally important. Believe them. Floss gets to the foodstuffs that eventually turn into plaque, one of your gum’s worst enemies. By flossing daily, you’re loosening and removing the most important ingredient for plaque—which ultimately leads to tartar and gingivitis.

Mouthwash

The best kinds of mouthwash can supplement the work that brushing and flossing do. Look for therapeutic mouthwashes, which are embossed with the ADA seal. They do more than just rid you of bad breath. They help remove plaque and food particles, slow tartar buildup, and can aid in the prevention of gum disease.

Gum-Friendly Foods

While some foods—like sugary drinks and snacks—are highly detrimental to your oral health, others can actually improve the conditions in your mouth. Some of the most gum-friendly foods include carrots, apples, and celery. The chewing motion required to eat these snacks provides an excellent workout for your mouth, massaging your gums and stimulating saliva production. Carrots and apples also contain vitamins that help fight bacteria and fortify tooth enamel.

Dental Check-Ups

No matter how diligently you follow the previous four steps for promoting healthy gums, nothing will serve as a complete substitute for visiting the Raleigh Periodontist. Dentists and dental hygienists have the education, experience, and professional equipment to clean your gums in a way that just isn’t possible at home. Schedule your next appointment with Tar Heel Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today to protect your gums and keep them healthy.