Gum care matters and using our tips for healthy home care can help you live a healthier life.
Knowing how to properly care for your teeth and gums prevents gum disease and helps you live a longer life. According to Harvard Medical School, people with gum disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can reverse gum disease and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, pregnancy complications and dementia.
Good oral hygiene isn’t hard to put into practice. Start by scheduling your dental check-ups and cleanings at least twice a year with Dr. Frahm to remove bacteria-harboring plaque and to keep your gums and teeth healthy. And while you’re at home, it’s easy to keep your gums and teeth healthy by following these five simple care tips in your daily regimen:
Five ways to keep your gums healthy
- Brush your teeth properly
You already know that it’s important to brush your teeth. It reduces gingivitis and plaque and keeps mouths and gums healthy. But by following these brushing guidelines from the ADA, you’ll keep gum disease at bay:
- Brush gently, twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums
- Clean the insides of your front teeth by brushing up and down with short strokes
- Scrub your tongue
- Use fluoride toothpaste
The toothpaste aisle in the grocery store contains a dizzying array of products. How do you choose which one is best for tooth and gum health? The choice isn’t as hard as you think: just choose a toothpaste with fluoride that has the ADA seal of acceptance. And, we suggest steering clear of whitening toothpastes which can be overly acidic and more expensive.
- Floss
Floss at least once a day to dislodge food that you haven’t reached with your toothbrush. Flossing removes food and plaque from between teeth and gums and prevents the buildup of tartar. Need a refresher on how to floss? Check out this video by the ADA.
- Use mouthwash
Mouthwash is another way to reduce plaque and tartar buildup which helps to prevent gum disease. Look for a therapeutic mouthwash that is approved by the ADA.
- Watch what you eat
Not surprisingly, some foods are better for your mouth and gum health than others.
- Eat high-fiber fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system and help clean out your mouth
- Eat dairy products and chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva to wash bacteria away
- Consume foods and drinks that contain fluoride, like water, poultry and seafood
- Drink tea to help reduce bacteria in your mouth
At the same time, try to avoid foods that stick to teeth or are high in sugar. Steer clear of soft drinks, sticky candies, starchy food and alcohol so bacteria-ridden plaque has no way to form.
We’ll see you soon!
If you are overdue for a dental cleaning, contact Dr. Frahm and make an appointment today. We practice a gentle but effective approach to removing bacteria-harboring plaque while attending to your overall oral health and keeping an eye out for signs of gum disease. Contact Dr. Frahm today at 831-372-8011. Our office is conveniently located at 660 Camino Aguajito #201 in Monterey, CA 93940.
