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Oral health is as much about your gums as it is about your teeth. The tissue in your gums anchors your teeth in place, but without routine cleanings and regular visits to the dentist, your gums may accumulate disease-causing plaque and tartar. Gum disease causes bleeding and swelling; eventually, your gums may recede. Use these tips to lower your risk for gum disease, and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for life.

5 Tips for Maintaining Excellent Gum Health

1. Floss Daily

Floss every day. Ask your dentist how to floss correctly if you are unsure. You should make a C shape around every tooth and clean below the gumline. Flossing removes plaque your toothbrush can’t reach while also dislodging food particles that attract bacteria.

2. Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush

dentistGently brush your teeth and gums every morning and every night for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush. Your gums need cleaning and stimulation, but aggressive brushing causes gum damage. Use only gentle, circular motions to remove bacteria and plaque.

3. Avoid Tobacco

Stop smoking cigarettes or using any other tobacco products to maintain gum health. Tobacco weakens your immune system, increasing your susceptibility to gum disease. It also dries out your mouth and reduces saliva production. You need saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria from your teeth and gums.

4. Schedule Biannual Dental Cleanings

See your dentist every six months for deep cleanings. Only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar, the hardened form of plaque that accumulates under your gumline. Your dentist may recommend anti-plaque mouthwash or other rinses to help keep your gum tissue pink and healthy.

5. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Stick to a well-rounded diet that includes calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat cheese and milk. Eat as few sugary foods as possible, especially avoiding gummy candy and snacks that can lodge between the teeth and gums.

 

Make your next dentist appointment at Pfeiffer Family Dentistry, the family-oriented dental practice that has been serving patients throughout Northern Kentucky since 1977.  With convenient evening hours and after-hours emergency dental care, Pfeiffer Family Dentistry is there when you need them most. Call (859) 441-1900 today to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more about oral cancer screenings, pediatric dentistry, teeth whitening, and other services. 

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