Along with the health of your teeth, maintaining healthy gums must be a part of your dental care routine. That’s why dentists emphasize proper gum health to their patients, which entails adding a few different techniques to your oral care arsenal. To learn more about methods to improve your gum health, check out the guide below.

4 Ways to Maintain Healthy Gums

1. Stop Smoking

Smoking harms your body in many different ways. In addition to increasing the risk of respiratory illness and heart disease, it also significantly increases your risk of gum disease. Smokers are twice as likely to develop gingivitis as non-smokers. Additionally, smoking decreases the effectiveness of gum disease treatments. 

2. Floss Daily

Along with brushing twice a day, daily flossing is also essential. When plaque is left over on teeth, it causes inflammation along the gumline. Additionally, it can be hard to completely remove plaque with brushing alone — this is why regular flossing is so important. 

3. Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash prevents bacteria from taking up residence in your mouth. That makes it an excellent addition to daily brushing and flossing, especially when mouthwash contains fluoride. Mouthwash also freshens your breath, which is an added bonus. Take a small bottle with you to rinse after meals throughout the day. 

4. Schedule Teeth Cleanings

While at-home dental care is important, visiting your dentist for regular teeth cleanings is equally essential. Your dentist will evaluate the health of your gums during visits. They will also recommend additional treatments when necessary. This prevents gingivitis from advancing to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. 

If it has been a while since your last cleaning and you’re concerned about gum health, give Mark Adler DDS a call. As a trusted dentist in Northfield, OH, this clinic assists patients with essential preventative care. They also offer a number of restorative procedures that can improve the look of your smile. This includes composite fillings that mimic the look of natural teeth, as well as root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Schedule an exam today by calling (330) 468-3511. If you’d like to learn more about their services, visit them online.