How Can You Protect Your Gums?
It’s common for people to be overly concerned about keeping their teeth strong and healthy that their gum health gets ignored. Patients who visit dental offices in Fort Pierce are mostly worried about cavities and tooth decay and tend to overlook gum disease.
Statistics show that 26% of adults in America have untreated tooth decay, while almost half of adults (46%) 30 years old and above have gum disease. Remember that your gum tissues help keep your teeth in place. When your gums are compromised, it can lead to tooth loss. If you want your teeth to be healthy, you must also prioritize your gum health.
Tips For Keeping Your Gums Healthy
Brush Your Teeth Daily
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth two times a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride-based toothpaste. When you brush, make sure you follow the proper technique. Angle the bristles at 45 degrees toward your gum line. Use short and gentle strokes. Clean all quadrants of your mouth thoroughly in two minutes.
Make a Habit of Flossing
Flossing is more challenging than brushing because it’s a tad tedious, so many people skip this part of their oral care routine. The ADA emphasizes the need to make flossing a habit as it is integral to oral care. Ideally, you are required to floss once daily, preferably before bedtime.
Plague, bacteria, and food debris can lodge in the tiny spaces between your teeth when you eat. While brushing can remove some of them, only dental floss can effectively get them out. If you don’t floss, plaque in these areas can turn into tartar. In turn, tartar buildup can result in gum inflammation and infection.
When Should You Visit Dental Offices in Fort Pierce?
Part of preventive dental care is seeing your dentist once every six months for an oral exam and routine dental cleaning but if you experience pain or bleeding in your gums that lasts for more than seven days, make time to visit your dentist.
At Ricard Family Dentistry, your oral health is our highest priority. We strive to give you quality yet affordable treatments and a pleasant dental experience. Contact us today to know more.