Simple Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

November 24, 2021
woman smiling with healthy gums thanks to her Port St. Lucie Family Dentist

Did you know that one way of protecting your teeth is by taking good care of your gums? If your gums are compromised, they won’t be able to hold your teeth in place securely. Eventually, your teeth will start falling off. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 47% of adults aging 30 years old and above suffer from periodontal disease. The best way to know if you have gum disease is to see your Port St. Lucie family dentist. 

patient with inflamed gums needing a Port St. Lucie Family Dentist

How to Keep Your Gums Healthy 

Understanding Gum Disease 

Gum disease develops when plaque accumulates along your gum line. When plaque isn’t removed, it will harden, calcify, and turn into tartar. If not removed, tartar will irritate your gums, causing gum inflammation and infection. 

The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Some of the symptoms of gingivitis are red, tender, inflamed, and swollen gums. People suffering from gingivitis also experience bleeding in their gums. It’s essential to get this treated before it advances and becomes irreversible. 

Gum Disease Prevention 

You can prevent gum disease by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes. It’s also essential that you floss in between your teeth before you go to bed to stop plaque from developing in hard-to-reach areas. 

While you practice good oral hygiene at home, make sure you still see your dentist once every six months for professional teeth cleaning. Dentists have the tools needed to scrape away hardened tartar on all surfaces of your teeth. Dental cleaning is also a powerful way to reverse gingivitis. 

Port St. Lucie Family Dentist and patient smiling

Do You Need to See a Port St. Lucie Family Dentist? 

In a nutshell, two of the most effective ways to keep gum disease at bay is to practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing daily. Also, make sure you visit your dentist twice yearly for routine teeth cleanings. 

At Ricard Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of dental services to help improve your oral health. We have an amazing team that is highly skilled and educated to perform all types of dental treatments. Give us a call to learn more about our services.