When you anticipate a checkup at the dentist’s office, you are probably worrying about the health of your teeth. Placing focus on healthy teeth is vital, but it shouldn’t be your only priority. Gum health is equally as important. If you’re hoping to brush up on some ways to enhance these soft tissues, use the following list of tips to build a strong foundation for your teeth.

3 Dentist-Approved Tips for Healthy Gums

1. Choose Mouthwash Wisely 

Your routine might not feel complete without that daily swish-and-rinse. However, the type of mouthwash you use could be hurting your gums. If you want to kill bad breath germs without hurting your soft tissues, look for a mouthwash without alcohol. The alcohol content can dry out your mouth’s saliva content, leading to halitosis. An alcohol-free mouthwash may also result in less of a sting. 

2. Improve Your Diet

As you chow down on fast food, junk food, and other treats, the carbohydrates and sugar create a paste around your teeth. The bacteria that are naturally present around your teeth and on your gums will feed on these sugars, creating acid in the process. These harsh substances erode teeth enamel and eat away at gum tissue. This increases your risk of periodontal disease, which is inflammation of the gums usually caused by poor oral hygiene. By cutting down on sugar, refined carbohydrates, and eating more vegetables and lean meat, you can improve your gum health.

3. Floss Daily

When you’ve had a long day, even brushing your teeth can feel like a feat. However, it’s crucial to take that extra step and pull out the floss before heading to bed. By scraping the sides of each tooth from top to bottom, you can clear out any food scraps that might be resting against your gum line. Since your toothbrush is unable to pull out these leftover particles, they will continue to produce acid and damage your gums. This can lead to tartar buildup, bad breath, and gum disease.

If you’re hoping to keep cavities and periodontal disease at bay, head to North Ft. Mitchell Dentistry. This Covington, KY based dentist has over 40 years of experience. Whether you need a teeth cleaning or an urgent extraction, call him at (859) 331-0763 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit them online to learn more about their services.